PD Review Date: September 2012

Approved By: CEO

Staff Name
Job Title: / Koori Community Alcohol & Drug Worker – Eastern Metropolitan Region
Unit/Group: / AOD Team
Time Fraction: / Full Time
Location: / This position is based at46 New Street, Ringwood however, all Ngwala employees may be required to work at, or across, other sites from time to time.
Award Classification: / Social Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010
Social Community Services Employee Level 2
Salary: / $ 37,624 to $45,500
Position Reports To: / Program Manager
Employment Status: / Ongoing subject to funding availability.
6 months Probationary Period
Ngwala’s Vision
Ngwala will strive to achieve world class alcohol and drug services, facilities and program that address social disadvantage for the Aboriginal community.
Ngwala’sPurpose
Ngwala will work with individuals, families and communities, in a culturally sensitive manner, to reduce harm associated with drug and alcohol use and to provide a range of services that enhanced physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Position Overview
The role of the Koori Community Alcohol and Drug Worker is to support and provide case management to Koori people and their significant others who are affected (either directly or indirectly) by alcohol and/or other drug use or who are at risk of being affected by alcohol and/or other drugs. A particular focus is placed on reducing the uptake of alcohol and other drugs by young people.
Role Purpose
  • The role of the Koori Community Alcohol and Drug Worker is to undertake a number of case management and community development activities based on a harm minimisation approach, including assessment, development and implementation of Individual Treatment Plans, health promotion, information provision, education activities, development and maintenance of community and service linkages, referrals, counselling interventions, the provision of advice to generalist services, liaising with relevant programs and fulfilling an advocacy role on behalf of the service user.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Service Delivery
  • Provide information and education to Koori communities, individuals and other agencies about the effects of alcohol and drugs on the Koori community within an appropriate cultural context, in order to increase awareness of alcohol and drug problems and their effects
  • Provide Koori people with opportunities to participate in health enhancing behaviours and culturally sensitive and appropriate health promotion activities
  • In consultation with senior management develop Ngwala’s health promotion policies and programs
  • Provide psycho-social counselling within a harm minimisation framework (individual or group-based) and support services to effect, and maintain change, in individuals with alcohol and drug use problems
  • Provide assessments of the consumer's continuing needs in relation to alcohol and drugs
  • Developand implement Individual Treatment Plans with the consumer which is based on the initial assessment and includes appropriate referrals
  • Liaise with generalist health and welfare agencies to ensure continuity of care for service users through an appropriate case-management process
  • Develop, enhance and maintain linkages with generalist health and welfare agencies including linkages with mainstream alcohol and drug services, hospitals, general practitioners, community health centres, youth services, mental health services.
  • Provide expert advice to other community agencies regarding the needs of Kooris affected by alcohol and drugs to develop, and document, formal referral protocols with general practitioners, hospitals, alcohol and drug services and other relevant community agencies
  • Advocate on behalf of service users in particular situations and circumstances, for example, by accompanying service users to initial referrals to mainstream agencies or by communicating with the Office of Corrections on their behalf, where necessary
  • Educate the local community on the role of the KCA&DW.
  • Ensure service access to Koori people of all ages and both genders and to operate under age, gender and culturally sensitive protocols in relation to service provision
  • Provide services that operate with a harm minimisation approach, by focussing on reducing the harm to both the individual community and society from alcohol and drug use
  • Provide services, where appropriate, for carers and families of those affected by alcohol and drug use
  • Maintain ongoing records and other administrative tasks including statistical reports and other correspondence

Organisational
  • Be available to take up additional responsibility as directed by the senior management
  • Handle confidential information appropriately - respecting confidentiality at all times
  • Ensure written monthly reports and statistics are provided in a professional & timely manner
  • Attend meeting as required
  • Participate in annual performance appraisals and professional development activities
  • Comply with OH&S & risk management processes
  • Understand and follow Ngwala policies and procedures
  • Attend workshops and training as advised by Senior Management
  • Daily phone reporting to the HR team in regards to attendance and movements for the day
  • Provide fortnightly vehicle log sheet / vehicle safety sheet and forward work plan

Continuous Quality Improvement
  • Engage in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes
  • Provide high level customer service

Major Contacts & Liaisons
Internal
  • CEO, Board of Management Directors, and Senior Management Team
  • Other Ngwala staff/services to ensure provision of co-ordinated case management outcomes for clients.
External
  • Liaise/link/consult withcommunity based Aboriginal &/or other community agencies to access services for clients.
  • Departmental & other statutory agencies as required.

Key Selection Criteria
Technical
  • Aboriginal or demonstrated ability to work with the Aboriginal community
  • Demonstrated experience of working in Aboriginal organisations or related health settings
  • Demonstrated knowledge of AOD issues
  • Demonstrated skills in communicating and working with persons with AOD issues
  • Ability to implement high level case management practice
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, treatment providers and to advocate on behalf of clients
  • Experience in liaising with government and community agencies
  • Ability to understand and interpret both Federal and State government departments Alcohol & other Drug service delivery requirements. In particular those requirements related to the delivery requirements of AOD programs
  • An understanding of the Information and Privacy Act, the Health Records Act and the OH&S Act
  • Ability to commit to Ngwala’s goals and objectives and take direction from the management of Ngwala
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Victorian Indigenous communities, including their history and contemporary issues affecting these communities
Knowledge & Skills
  • Written and verbal communication – Effective communication (written and oral) skills including the ability to write reports & correspondence; knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of, information systems, and understanding of the IT requirements of the position.
  • Planning and organising –Developed organisation and planning skills; ability to manage a personal workload in a busy environment with conflicting demands; demonstrated organisational skills including the capacity to set priorities and work to deadlines.
  • Problem solving – Developed problem solving skills including the ability to obtain and interpret information and make specific recommendations; proven ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making
  • Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes - Focuses on the pursuit of best practice in service delivery with staff and external contacts; communicating with and assisting a diversity of clients with a demonstrated commitment to customer service; demonstrated achievement in and enthusiasm for the provision of quality customer service; demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
Personal Qualities
  • Initiative and accountability - Proactive and self starting; seizes opportunities and acts upon them; takes responsibility for own actions; perseveres to achieve goals, copes effectively with setbacks and disappointments; remains calm and in control under pressure; accepts constructive criticism in an objective manner, without becoming defensive; ability to manage and influence change for the good of the organisation
  • Relationship building - Ability to work independently and as a member of a team; cooperates and works well with others in the pursuit of team goals; collaborates and shares information; shows consideration, concern and respect for others’ ideas; accommodates and works well with the different working styles of others; encourages resolution of conflict within group; able to develop strong working relationships
  • Interpersonal skills - Effective communication: empathetic, caring and relates to and sees issues from the perspective of people from the local indigenous community; positive attitude and a team player; willingness to learn, particiapte and improve

Mandatory Qualifications
  • Minimum CertificateIVinAOD or related qualification
  • Victorian Drivers License
  • Current Level 2 First Aid Certificate
  • Working With Children Check

Important Additional Information
The Koori Community Alcohol & Drug Worker position is full time Monday to Friday @ 38 hours per week. From time to time the position will be required to work outside of or in excess of the above hours and appropriate penalty rates and allowances will apply on these occasions.
The position is based at 46 New Street, Ringwood, however some intra state travel is a requirement and will involve overnight stay in rural townships within Victoria. Appropriate travel allowances and accommodation costs will be provided.
The position will be provided with a fully serviced company vehicle for business purposes with limited private use that is linked to an employee contribution.
All positions at Ngwala are subject to recurrent funding being made available from State & Commonwealth funding bodies.
Employees of Ngwala are required to abide by the Ngwala Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
All employees of Ngwala are required to undergo a Police Check and a Working With Children Check.
The position is full time between the hours of 9.00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday as negotiated with the Chief Executive Officer. Some weekend work and after hours is required for this position. The position is subject of an initial six month probationary period. All positions at Ngwala are subject to funding.
The position is ultimately accountable to the Chief Executive Officer who is accountable to the Board of Directors of Ngwala. Employees of Ngwala are required to abide by the Ngwala Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) - All employees are required to carry out their duties in a manner that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others by reporting all incidents and injuries as well as co-operating with any measures introduced in the workplace to improve OH&S.
Pre-existing injury - People appointed to this position will be required to disclose any pre-existing injuries or disease that might be affected by employment in this position. This will assist Ngwala in providing a safe work environment for new staff.
Equal opportunity - Ngwala is an equal opportunity employer. All staff has a responsibility to be familiar with and follow the Ngwala Anti-Discrimination Policy and Prevention of Bullying, Harassment & Sexual Harassment Policy.
I have received this position description and to perform my duties to the best of my abilities within the philosophy and culture of Ngwala.
Signed: …………………………………………………………………………………… Date: ……………………
Position Selection & Recruitment Information
Applications for this position must include the following:
  • A written covering letter that outlines why the applicant believes that they would be suitable for this position
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae that outlines educational and employment background, which must also include at least 3 referees.
  • A detailed response to the Key Selection Criteria
  • Certified copies of any relevant certificates or qualifications. Do not send originals as Ngwala will not take responsibility for any loss of documents. However, it is recommended that originals be brought to your interview for the Interview Committee to sight
Further Information for Applicants
The preferred candidate will undergo a credential and referee check by a nominated person from the Selection Committee and details recorded and filed with the Ngwala Administration Officer. Where the position requires professional registration with regulatory bodies to be able to practice in the State of Victoria, the original registration documentation must be sighted and the date of registration will be noted on personnel files.
The preferred candidate will also need to undergo a Police Check. Employment may commence prior to the completion of the Check if the position does not involve working with children, but the employment is conditional upon the Police Check being deemed satisfactory. The Working With Children Act 2005 requires that people who work or volunteer in child-related work must also apply for, and pass, a Working With Children (WWC Check). If this is applicable to the position, a valid WWC Check must be completed and presented prior to the commencement of employment.
Applications must be marked Private & Confidential and address to:
Chief Executive Officer
Ngwala Willumbong Co-operative Ltd
93 Wellington Street
St Kilda, VIC 3182
Or email to
For further information regarding this position can be directed to Glenn Howardon (03) 9510 3233
Applications Close – 5.00pm on Friday 5thJune 2015
Late applications will not be accepted

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