Salary: $91,031 + superannuation

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is currently seeking a motivated individual who has a passion for primary healthcare and community wellbeing.

The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) funds a range of health services and programs to improve access to care and better health for our communities.

The commissioning of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug (MHAOD) services in the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) regions represents one of the key priorities for the organisation. The Program Officer – MHAOD will provide support to the organisation’s work in transitioning and redesigning funded MHAOD services in the region.

To effectively drive this change, this role will build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure support structures and frameworks are in place to facilitate change. Another focus will be delivering services and building the capacity of providers to work within the MHAOD stepped care model, as well as existing and newly redesigned models of care.

The Program Officer will provide high level project support for the commissioning, implementation and evaluation of MHAOD projects and is responsible for local coordination, development, and delivery of WNSW PHN initiatives Treatment Strategies.

The purpose of the strategies will:

• Address the emerging concern of workforce deficit in Western NSW with a view to create a whole new cohort of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) trained workers giving access to clients who require addiction management and AOD services.
• Improve the capacity and confidence of GPs to refer Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) clients to access treatment including opioid clients, including non-opioid pain management alternatives, opioid withdrawal or reduction strategies and clients requiring prescription management following codeine up-scheduling.
• Increase access to services available primarily though general practice that can help clients, reduce, or withdraw from alcohol and other drugs.

The strategies include several areas for development including but not limited to:

• Specific capacity building in alcohol management strategies across General Practice.
• Support the response to Special commissions in the development of new initiatives.
• The development of new approaches for managing alcohol that can allow consumers to engage in treatment closer to home.
• Increased options for indigenous people to heal on country.
• Opioid prescribing reduction activities.
• GP led withdrawal, detoxification, and rehabilitation.
• Support training initiatives for Workforce development.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Demonstrated understanding of opportunities and challenges in the Mental Health & AOD sector in the Western NSW region.
• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture including a commitment to cultural awareness and safety.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
• Extensive demonstrated experience in a project management role with a sound knowledge of contemporary business and project management practices
• Proven capability in financial/budget management and KPI reporting to achieve outcomes under time pressures.
• Proven track record in stakeholder management, including an ability to build relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Capacity to travel within western NSW; hold a current driver’s licence.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with Aboriginal people, organisations and communities in view of planning and implementing services and achieving outcomes for Aboriginal people
• Advanced computer skills required for MS Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project Plan development.
• Relevant Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug sector experience particularly in rural and remote areas.
• Degree level qualification in Health, Business, Project Management, or related discipline.
• Well-developed analytical, problem solving and negotiation skills.
• Experience working in the health, NGO or community services sectors

The position can be based in any one of our offices including, Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst, Broken Hill or Bourke.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Linda Smith on 0439 404 122.