September 23, 2024

Larrakia Nation

Coconut Grove

HEAL Field Officer

Eligibility
These are Affirmative Measures – First Nations applicants only positions.
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. To be eligible to apply under the Affirmative Measures Initiative, applicants must:

be an Aboriginal person and/or a Torres Strait Islander person

identify as an Aboriginal person and/or a Torres Strait Islander person, and

be accepted by their community as being and Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander person

Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status before being appointed to the role.
About the HEAL Program
The Healthy Engagement & Assistance in the Long Grass (HEAL) Program is funded by the NT Department of Health and Families to facilitate and co-ordinate improved access to Primary Health Care Services for people staying in the Long Grass in the Darwin and Palmerston urban areas.
Specifically, the program provides the following services:

Provides information to clients on disease epidemics and public health issues and supports access to available health services (e.g. vaccination clinics);
Provides information to clients and supports access to safe shelters in the event of a cyclone;
Strengthen the existing transport services to assist the target population in accessing health, social and community services;
Encourage and support individuals to maintain social connections with home communities, including liaison with Return to Country Program (eg: Larrakia Outreach and Transport Services)
Attend homeless support services on weekdays to assist with transport and health appointment coordination.

Develop partnerships to achieve service co-ordination amongst key stakeholders by:

Improving connections between clients and health services (Darwin regional and remote) to better manage client health issues;
Establishing and coordinating a volunteer/donor program which gives practical assistance/personal support to individuals to access mainstream services or participate/provide HEAL activities;
Advocate and promote awareness among the health sector of the client perceptions of health and wellbeing and what the clients see as their needs (e.g. staff in-services and presentations to health sector).

Promote and support positive involvement and engagement in society by:

Delivering applicable health promotion and education messages to clients in a relevant and accessible format which target key factors and hygiene that influence wellbeing (e.g. physical health, diet, mental health, sexual health, alcohol and drugs, loneliness and social disconnectedness);
Providing through a mobile service, access to a range of services that assist with personal appearance and hygiene (e.g. dental, hair washing and dressing, clothes, laundering etc.);

Key Selection Criteria

Understanding and experience of cultural protocols, together with a willingness to work respectfully in accordance with Larrakia and other Indigenous culture
Ability to converse and negotiate successful outcomes with Indigenous people, particularly when adversely affected by alcohol and/or other drugs or a health issue
Capacity to deliver a range of health, social and community related services to homeless people on an opportunistic basis and through an outreach approach
Able to form strong working relationships with a range of service providers and individuals
Good knowledge and understanding of the issues and cultural factors affecting Indigenous people, especially the homeless, in the Northern Territory
Ability to prioritise work and operate effectively in a small team with minimal supervision
Basic computer skills (including word processing and email) and the ability to maintain accurate, but confidential, administrative records
Possession of, or ability to quickly acquire, a First Aid & CPR Certificate
Qualifications and/or proven experience in Public Health, Environmental Health, Social Work, Community Development or similar
Current NT Driver’s Licence (C Class minimum)

Desirable:

Identify as Larrakia
Willing to undertake Certificate III in Community Services

Applicants are required to undergo Drug and Alcohol testing if you are in the final selection as part of the recruitment process.
To discuss the role further please contact Aaron 0427 262 962
To apply for this role, please click the 'apply now' button and upload your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria. To be eligible for consideration you must supply current copies of your Drivers licence, Working with Children check (receipt will be acceptable from Safe NT), National Police check (receipt will be acceptable from Safe NT) and provide proof of your COVID-19 Vaccination status.
Applications close 6 October 2024