A GUIDE FOR JOB APPLICANTS

Applying for a Position

Appointments to positions with ACON are based on merit. This means that the applicant who is judged to be the most capable of carrying out the duties of the position will be offered the job. The decision to appoint is based on the applicant’s written application, performance at interview, referees check, Criminal Record Check and/or Working with Children Check. Please note that the records checks will only be required on offer of employment and will only be conducted at the end of the recruitment process once you have been identified as the successful candidate and consented to the checks.

The Job Advertisement

The job advertisement and the position description provide the basis for the selection process as they specify precisely the selection criteria, competencies and experience needed to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.

Preparing an Application

Your written application must stand on its merits. Do not assume that the selection panel knows what you have achieved in the past. If you do not demonstrate how you meet the criteria for the position you will not be called for an interview.

The completeness and relevance of your application will determine whether or not you are called for an interview. Where a large number of applicants meet the essential and desirable requirements, only those applicants who most strongly meet the requirements will be selected for interview.

There are three (3) steps to preparing an application:

1. Complete the following ACON Employment Application Form and attach it with your application.

ACON Employment Application Form.doc 2. Address all of the “Selection Criteria” as outlined in the following position description. You are required to state how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications relate to the position. To do this, address each criteria separately in point form. You should use statements with examples that clearly demonstrate your competency in a particular area. Applicants who fail to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the position will not be invited to attend an interview.

3. Attach an updated copy of your resume, including the contact details of three referees, one of which may be a personal referee.

Please note that it is not necessary to send in copies of your qualifications, references or awards at this time.

Where to Send Your Application

You must forward your application to ACON by the closing date stated in the advertisement.

Email: [email protected]

Postal: Human Resources Unit PO Box 350 Darlinghurst NSW 1300

If you are sending your application by email please ensure that it is in Microsoft Word format.

After Applying for a Position

If you have applied via email, you will be sent a return email confirming that your application has been successfully received. Your application will then be reviewed and we will contact you directly to discuss your application. If you are successful in gaining an interview, the hiring manager will contact you by telephone to arrange a suitable date and time for the interview. Otherwise, we will contact you by email to advise you that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Social Worker Work Level: Professional

Reports to Manager, Wellbeing Programs

Overview Provide psychosocial assessment and care coordination support services to clients referred by GPs from within the established general practice sites and/or internally from within ACON. Provide clear client information/feedback to relevant GP’s.

Main Activities  Maintain a caseload of clients, providing coordinated care utilising a range of best practice strategies and facilitating client’s access to services  Provide advice to specific general practitioners on a regular sessional basis that delivers expert and timely support related to Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care, Chronic Disease Management and Better Mental Health Outcomes systems and other services.  Identify key health issues for the target populations and assist with health promotion interventions with the assistance of internal and external service providers.  Providing information about the organisation, including access to programs and services, eligibility criteria, capacity, waiting periods, and relevant fee structures where applicable.  Identifying the need for immediate short-term solution-focussed assistance for clients and making arrangements/referrals for longer-term support in relevant cases. The ability to implement care plans to high-end clients is also required in order to deliver intensive and highly effective service.  Employing a range of skills in dealing with clients and client’s carers, including supportive to intensive counselling, as well as providing educational services.  Initiating and participating in group work programs that will encourage clients to meet their goals.  Liaising with other staff (counsellors, coordinators, educators and managers) as required.  Maintaining appropriate referral statistics, administrative records and written reports.  Continually enhancing networks with agencies and external service providers to ensure that all present and future clients/cases are provided with a comprehensive range of options and referrals in particular housing and alcohol and other drug services.  Escalating evidence that the organisation could improve the quality of service provided by extending a particular Program/Service/Centre, or by introducing a new Program, Service or Centre.  Maintaining a professional standard of behaviour and the confidentiality of all information pertaining to clients/cases and their families.

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 Actively participate in and contribute to an on-going process of supervision, unit meetings, team meetings, general staff meetings, quality improvement and professional development strategies.  Perform other duties to assist with the work of the unit as requested by the Manager (Team Leader or designate).

Selection Criteria: Essential  Professional qualifications in Social Work and extensive experience in allied health areas.  Experience in case co-ordination and/or care planning.  Demonstrated experience in assessment of psychosocial needs as well as demonstrated insight into a broader range of social factors that may impact on the mental and physical health and wellbeing of these target populations.  Understanding of the role and functions of general practice and how this position interfaces between GPs, health services and the client.  High level communication skills, problem solving and project management skills, including the ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Basic clinical knowledge, especially in relation to HIV/AIDS and Hep C including treatment issues.  Understanding of and commitment to ACON’s communities, particularly people living with HIV.

Desirable  Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Social Work discipline in the field of mental health and eligibility for Mental Health Accredited Social Work registration  Experience in community based services in the areas of sexual health and/or HIV and/or GLBT community  Experience participating in the development of care plans for individuals with chronic health conditions.  Current driver’s license

Additional Information

This is a part-time position (21 hours per week) and is based in Sydney. Salary is negotiable commensurate with skills and experience. For further information regarding this position, please contact our reception (02) 9206 2000. Applications close 5pm Monday 05 November 2012.

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