Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer

• Part Time, Permanent
• Aboriginal Health Unit
• Excellent benefits including salary packaging

About the Company
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is part of St Vincent’s Health Australia and a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service which employs more than 6,500 staff across 18 sites throughout Melbourne. SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services including acute medical and surgical services, sub-acute care, medical diagnostics, rehabilitation, allied health, mental health, palliative care, correctional health and community residential care. SVHM is one of Australia's leading Catholic not-for-profit healthcare providers.

About the Department
The Aboriginal Health Unit (AHU) is responsible for oversight of Aboriginal health service delivery, quality improvement, performance monitoring and reporting, cultural awareness training and Aboriginal employment initiatives through a Cadetship program. The Unit also provides consultation and guidance broadly regarding Aboriginal health and contributes to strategic directions, partnership arrangements, policy implementation and research.

The team are linked with key programs including Correctional Health, Mental Health, Social Work, HARP Complex Care, Addiction Medicine and Nursing Education.

About the Role
Improve access and equity of health service care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne is reorienting the AHLO program to be a 7 day service. The AHLO will work primarily with the Emergency Department after hours, including weekends.

The AHLO works with other SVHM staff to provide culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families, so as to address health and social and emotional wellbeing issues. The AHLO on assessment and care planning works in close collaboration with multidisciplinary team members including ALERT within the Emergency Department.
The role carries responsibilities for effective liaison and linkages with key community controlled health organisations including the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and other Aboriginal medical and community services as appropriate.

Classifications for this position will range from XV13 - XU19 ($68,100 - $77,500per annum).

Duties include:

• Work effectively as a team member within the Emergency Department, with the Aboriginal Health Unit team and with other key departments/programs
• Provide support to Aboriginal patients and families primarily in Emergency, Inpatient and Outpatient settings and contributes to patient wellbeing, discharge planning and to meeting continuity of care needs by way of referral to external agencies
• Works to maintain the profile and role of Aboriginal Liaison services within St Vincent’s
• Manage information professionally and maintains data collection and reporting requirements
• Work with key stakeholders on opportunities to further own learning and development and works within established SVHM, the AHU and other protocols and processes

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Minimum requirement - Certificate IV or Diploma level qualifications in Aboriginal Primary Health Care, or Aboriginal Health Worker Certificate IV, or other qualifications in health or mental health care, or in Community Development
• Demonstrated understanding of the Victorian health system and ACCHOs
• Experience in providing support and advocacy for Aboriginal families
• Ability to work effectively in team situations and with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to communicate effectively – both written and verbal

Benefits

• Salary packaging
• Employee Assistance Program
• Staff Car Park

Application

• Please provide your Resume, Cover Letter and a separate document addressing the Selection Criteria and Other Essential Criteria as outlined in the Position Description.

At SVHM we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. If you would like further information, contact our Indigenous Recruitment Coordinator through our careers page.

SVHA has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) in healthcare settings. You are therefore required to comply with the SVHA Staff Health Screening Immunisation Policy, which, depending on the role you perform in the organisation will require you to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations).

All appointments are made subject to the candidate providing a current satisfactory National Police Certificate conducted by The Victoria Police.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced.