• Employment Type: Part Time Fixed Term 6 months
• Hours: 45 Hours Per Fortnight
• Area: Greater Shepparton Region

Primary Care Connect is a local community health centre operating under the social model of health. We are a not-for-profit organisation that has continued to offer local, quality services focusing on a range of health and wellbeing matters for the past 30 years. We work to achieve this by providing inclusive community health care services of the highest quality. We work collaboratively with individuals and other stakeholders to identify, discuss, and resolve the complex issues affecting our community's health and wellbeing.

To find out more about Primary Care Connect, please visit www.primarycareconnect.com.au

About the Role

The Specialist First Nations worker will work collaboratively within the Distress Support Service Shepparton (DSSS). The DSSS will offer 2-3 weeks of care to those experiencing distress in the Greater Shepparton area and will involve flexible ways of connecting with service users, including telehealth, outreach and on-site support.

The DSSS program is being trialled and evaluated in several other states across Australia and is modelled on Scotland’s Distress Brief Intervention program.

The Specialist First Nations Worker will work collaboratively with MIND Australia to identify and develop relationships with community and mental health sector stakeholders, facilitate community forums, and actively develop and promote the program. This place-based approach will normalise people’s distress and provide appropriate supports to prevent further psychological distress.

This position reports to Manager Healthy Communities and the Distress Support Service Team Leader through Mind Australia. This position works in collaboration with the Healthy Communities Team and is expected to network with all other teams within Primary Care Connect as appropriate.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Community Development, Health Promotion, Mental Health, Peer Work, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Psychology. Relevant work experience for the responsibilities of the role will also be considered.

• Knowledge of health, social and welfare issues that drive distress in the community

• Demonstrated experience working with First Nations peoples and communities

• Knowledge and understanding of distress in the context of First Nations peoples and communities

• Strong community engagement skills

• A strong capacity to work in challenging situations, including skills in managing conflict and driving a collaborative culture

• Professional and personal alignment with Primary Care Connect core values

• A current Victorian Driver's License

• Current National Police and Working with Childrens Check.

Benefits and Perks

Primary Care Connect provides a supportive workplace with staff who are committed and passionate about the community that we work in. Some of the many benefits of working with PCC include:

• Professional Development
• Salary Packaging
• Employee Assistance Program
• In House Gym

All candidates who are interested in the position must include in their application the following:

• Cover letter including address to Key Selection Criteria
• Resume with at least two professional references, or willingness to provide on request.

Further information can be found by:

1. Visiting our careers page: https://www.primarycareconnect.com.au/Careers/Current-Vacancies OR
2. Contacting Leigh Stanbrook 0409 409 051