Goldfields Esperance Gp Network Pty Ltd

Goldfields Esperance GP Network Pty Ltd

Position Description

Position Title: Social Worker Directly Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) Category: 1.0 FTE Conditions in accordance with the Goldfields Esperance GP Network Workplace Agreement Salary: On Application Locations: Kalgoorlie , Western Australia

The Position

The Rural and Remote Mental Health Team is responsible for the continuation of the mental health model of care which addresses the needs of remote Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients in the communities of Leonora, Laverton, Leinster, Norseman and Southern Cross. These mental health services will be delivered in a culturally appropriate manner, in relation to Aboriginal clients, and will place emphasis on engagement with the Elders within their communities. This role recognises the need to provide information, advocacy and support to specific groups within this region, especially those of Aboriginal descent.

Location

The position is located at the Goldfields Esperance GP Network office located at 49 Brookman Street, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430. Part of the position will be the need to travel out to remote and rural locations including Leinster, Leonora, Laverton, Norseman and Southern Cross.

Background of the GEGPN

The GEGPN (formerly the Eastern Goldfields Medical Division of General Practice) has been in operation since November 1994 and is one of 111 Divisions of General Practice in Australia. The GEGPN is one of Australia’s largest Networks stretching from Wiluna in the north to Esperance in the south, from the South Australian border in the east to Southern Cross in the west. The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing provides the core funding for the organisation and additional funding is brokered from both public and private sectors. The Divisions of General Practice Program is an integral component of the Commonwealth Government’s General Practice Strategy, which was developed in 1992. This has resulted in greater involvement of General Practitioners in health policy, planning and delivery of health services at the local and regional levels, working in collaboration with other health agencies and managing a range of health service programs. The GEGPN is a not for profit organisation and is a registered company limited by guarantee operating with a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors comprises of eight GP members. The CEO is empowered to make all decisions, create all policies, and authorise all engagements that, upon Board request, he or she can demonstrate to be consistent with a reasonable interpretation of the Board’s ends and executive limitations.

Background of the Rural and Remote Mental Health Team

As part of a multimillion Mental Health Strategies Access to Rural and Remote Areas, the GEGPN was chosen in 2007 to be one of few Western Australian Networks to research, implement, evaluate and manage a Rural and Remote Mental Health Team.

This Project has been implemented through the Network in collaboration with all aspects of the local communities.

The Rural and Remote Mental Health Team connect with all interested and appropriate parties in the local communities that are serviced by the team. This includes all members of the community both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal.

Management/Reporting

All members of the Rural and Remote Team will report directly to the CEO or as delegated.

Position Objectives

To develop a comprehensive and workable mental health Strategy for the GEGPN’s Rural and Remote Mental Health Team;

To develop effective communication tools to engage and support Aboriginal communities with culturally safe and encouraging materials. These will include any strategies which are seen as culturally appropriate for that community;

To engage with all relevant parties to promote, support and advocate on behalf of Aboriginal mental health;

To increase the profile of the GEGPN and the Rural and Remote Mental Health Team to local, regional, national and state bodies as seen as appropriate by GEGPN;

Key Responsibilities

 Continuance with an Aboriginal mental health strategy for the Rural & Remote Mental Health Team and the maintenance of an effective and sustainable model of service delivery that is appropriate and culturally safe to all Aboriginal communities;  Writing reports and support to other team members with regard to reporting requirements and the maintenance of the appropriate data databases that have been are developed and or produced by the GEGPN;

 Assist the Rural and Remote Mental Health Team with Advisory Group meetings and Stakeholder Relations sessions; and

 Other duties as requested by the CEO.

Selection Criteria

Based on the requirements of the position, the following essential and desirable selection criteria are set. Selection for appointment to this position will be determined by how well the applicants satisfy all of these criteria, most importantly the essential selection criteria.

It is important that applicants address these requirements, by describing how they meet the various selection criteria, providing practice examples if possible. Each selection criteria should be addressed separately. A Curriculum Vita should be included in the application to support the applicant’s response to the selection criteria. The names and contact details for three (3) referees should be included in the application.

Essential:

 Bachelor of Social Work Degree from an approved course provider or equivalent;

 Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills including report writing and preparation of presentation skills;

 Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of mental health issues affecting Aboriginal people in rural and remote communities;

 Experience in researching, planning, implementing and evaluating programs relating to Aboriginal health including mental health;

 Computer literate;

 Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;

 The ability to work flexible working hours and travel outside of Kalgoorlie;

Desirable:  Proven experience, understanding and a keen interest in the area of indigenous health and culture;

 Current ‘A’ Class Driver’s License;

 Ability to develop, implement and evaluate educational and training programs;

 Understanding of General Practice in Australia;

Certified by Chief Executive Officer

Number of positions directly supervised:

Total number of positions responsible for:

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