Summary of Position

The successful applicant, under the direction of the Coordinator – TIS, and in conjunction with additional Tobacco Action Workers, will:

Work with regional and local Aboriginal Community Organisations, relevant local mainstream health organisations (including Peninsula Health and Monash Health) and clinics, to provide culturally appropriate, locally designed tobacco campaign activities, community events and quit smoking services. 

Liaise with local and Regional Sporting Organisations, and Educational Institutions, with an identified Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander population, to develop an integrated program of tobacco control activities.

Duties

• Implement local health promotion activities e.g. community forums, supporting creation of smoke-free homes and workplaces, sharing information about smoking cessation, to increase community understanding of the dangers of smoking, benefits of cessation and benefits of smoke-free environments;

• Deliver regional smoking prevention information sessions and promote cessation social marketing campaigns and events;
• Deliver smoking cessation and support programs to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and refer people to applicable health programs, if appropriate;
• Support referrals to Bunurong Health Service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Checks;

• Under the direction of the Coordinator TIS work in partnership with the network of Tobacco Action Workers in the region, with the State-based mentor as appropriate, and with the broader national network coordinated by the National Coordinator;
• Undertake induction and other training specifically provided for the COAG Tackling Smoking measure and the broader Closing the Gap National Partnership;

• Be willing to undertake a program of ongoing learning and development leading towards a VET qualification in Population Health at Certificate IV level or higher if not already acquired;

• Participate in appropriate training programs and networking opportunities, including national conferences, workshops and seminars, following approval from Manager – Aboriginal Health Services in accordance with Policies and Procedures of DDACL;

• Collect data, as directed, enabling evaluation of the COAG National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes and service delivery of the Program;

• Promote and support smoke-free workplace strategies in the host organisation;

• Exemplify non-smoking behaviours;

• Provide a monthly report to the Coordinator – TIS, by the 7th of each month, detailing performance and achievements in the previous month, for inclusion in Program monthly report to the Manager – Aboriginal Health Services;

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement and Quality Assurance programs; and

• Perform other duties as directed, in accordance with the qualifications and experience of the individual.

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Ability to take direction, and manage workloads in order to meet agreed timelines and objectives.
2. Ability to communicate sensitively, and work respectfully, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, members and their leaders, respecting traditional culture, values and ways of doing business;
3. Ability to work with other health professionals and organisations;
4. Understanding of the social determinants of health; and the health, social and emotional wellbeing necessities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
5. Good interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; and
6. Personal drive and commitment, ability to determine priorities and to work in a team to achieve results.  

Practical requirements:

1. The successful applicant occupant will be required to undergo a state and/or national police check (as applicable to this position) and must possess or be able to quickly obtain an employee Working with Children Check Card.
2. A current unrestricted Victorian driver’s license and willingness to drive.
3. Some work out of normal hours of duty may be required. Intra and interstate travel including overnight absences may also be required.

Qualifications:

Certificate IV in Population Health (or higher) and/or significant experience in this field.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.

Personal Attributes Required:

• Commitment: To the organisation’s goals and objectives and ability to take direction from Management.
• Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Communicates well, diplomatic, and understands issues from the perspective of the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community.
• Teamwork: Able to support other staff; 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 a group. Focuses on the pursuit of best practice in service delivery. Able to develop strong working relationships with staff and external contacts.
• Resilience: Perseveres to achieve goals, accepts constructive criticism in an objective manner, ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
• Reliable and Punctual: Have a proven history of good time management skills.
• Innovative Thinker - Problem solver: Obtains all relevant facts. Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound resolutions from available data. Identifies and proposes workable solutions.

A full Position Description is attached below.