About Palliative Care Tasmania

Palliative Care Tasmania (PCT) is the peak body committed to achieving quality palliative care and end of life care for all Tasmanians. We work collaboratively with our members to ensure all Tasmanians have equitable access to timely care and support based on their individual needs and wishes.

Our Purpose: To support & represent Tasmanians with a life-limiting illness, together with their communities, to live, die and grieve well.
Our Vision: For all Tasmanians to experience quality palliative care in a compassionate community.
Our Values: Community, Connection, Compassion, Innovation & Action.

What we do:

• We aim to empower the community through awareness, information, and engagement.
• We strive to support and develop the workforce with ongoing and responsive education and training.
• We are the leading voice for our sector and for all Tasmanians affected by a life-limiting illness.
• We advocate for service provision and its future development.

PCT is one of eight member organisations of Palliative Care Australia.

About the Learning Through Loss Program

Most young people experience grief and loss for the first time before turning 18. Learning Through Loss is a free, state-wide training program aimed at professionals and volunteers who work with young people, providing them with the tools to support youth in navigating these challenging experiences safely. Originally launched as a pilot in July 2022, Learning Through Loss has garnered substantial engagement from schools and organisations in Tasmania and to date has trained over 1000 Tasmanians and distributed over 7,000 high-quality resources.

In February of 2025, LTL received funding from Primary Health Tasmania to adapt the LTL education program for professionals and community members supporting Tasmanians to die at home. The Learning Through Loss Community Engagement Officer would work to adapt the education for two new cohorts with the support and guidance of the Manager of Grief and Loss Programs.

For more information about Learning Through Loss, visit www.learningthroughloss.org.au.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a passionate and experienced community engagement officer to join our team. As the Community Education Officer, you will play a crucial role in developing the Grief Literate Toolkit. This comprehensive toolkit has been funded by Primary Health Tasmania and will include a new grief resource for individuals and families, and two new education packages that focus on building the capacity of:

1. Carers and family members of Tasmanians dying at home.
2. Professionals and volunteers delivering caring at-home services.

This is a 6-month contract with the possibility of extension.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Engagement and Consultation

• Facilitate community conversations to gather lived experiences and insights.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ensure the toolkit reflects local needs and promotes community ownership.

2. Development of Education Packages and Resources

• With the support of the Manager of Grief and Loss Programs you will adapt existing grief education content to create two tailored education packages:

3. Delivery of Education and Training

• Conduct a minimum of four trial education sessions to test and refine content.
• Gather participant feedback to improve the toolkit’s effectiveness.

4. Project Monitoring and Reporting

• Document consultations, session feedback, and program impact.
• Provide regular updates to the Manager, Grief and Loss Program.
• Assist in the evaluation of the toolkit.

5. Conduct Statewide Travel and Overnight Stay

• Travel across the state to conduct training sessions, demonstrating adaptability and willingness to stay overnight when required to ensure broad program accessibility.

General team requirements:

• Work collaboratively with PCT staff by contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of PCT brand positioning, sector development and education strategies.
• Build and sustain positive working relationships with a range of key internal and external stakeholders, including liaising with external agencies to support the achievement of PCT priorities and project activities.
• Maintain accurate records and report on PCT project activities, including monitoring effectiveness, as required.
• Be an active PCT team member and contribute to organisational planning, participate in professional development activities, and support team members where appropriate.
• Represent PCT on relevant working groups and committees.
• Other duties as required to support PCT’s strategic objectives.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in community development, allied health, social work, community development, or a related field.
• Experience in delivering community education, training, or facilitation.
• Understanding of grief, loss, and end-of-life issues.

Community Engagement & Communication

• Strong experience engaging with diverse community groups.
• Must hold an authentic enthusiasm for working collaboratively with diverse communities, fostering meaningful connections, and actively participating in community engagement initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate sensitive discussions on grief and loss.

Project Coordination

• Experience developing educational resources and programs.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate community-based projects.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Flexibility & Autonomy

• Capacity to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Willingness to travel within Tasmania as required.

Desirable:

• Lived Experience: Desirable for the candidate to feel comfortable and confident sharing their personal experience of grief and loss during training sessions. We have found that using real-life examples strengthens the impact of education.
• Professional Registration: Desirable for the candidate to be registered with a relevant professional body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Australian Psychological Society (APS) or the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers).
• 5+ years of experience working with the community.

Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor's degree in community development, allied health, social work, or psychology.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to be a part of a growing program.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• A chance to make a real impact on the wellbeing of Tasmanians.

Please send questions and applications to Manager of Grief and Loss Program(s) Jess Sanders, [email protected].

The application closing date is Sunday the 16th of March 2025.