• Attractive salary packaging options available
• Part time, 4 days a week (0.8FTE) contract until 30 June 2022, with possibility of extension
• Work based out of the comfort of your own home!

Dementia Australia is the national peak body and source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. Our commitment to a shared set of values shapes our decisions, actions and behaviours towards achieving our core purpose and strategic priorities.

• We connect by promoting a people centred way of working and respecting all
• We collaborate in a supportive manner with each other, other teams, clients and external parties
• We commit to our purpose and direction, accountable for our actions and support the innovations, reshaping the way we do things

We are currently seeking a Dementia Support Specialist to join our Client Services team based out of the Hume Region in VIC working from a home-based office with regular travel required. As a qualified Dementia Support Specialist you will provide short-term interventions at key stages of dementia to enhance wellbeing including the delivery of psycho-educational and psycho-social interventions as required to meet individual goals, enhance their wellbeing and maintain quality of life of the person living with dementia, their carers and families.

Reporting directly to the Team Leader, Client Services, you will also be responsible for:

• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of client needs to ensure that appropriate and timely services are received as well as developing and reviewing client plans on a regular basis to ensure supports and services remain relevant and up to date.
• Facilitating individual and group information, education and support sessions, to people living with dementia, those with cognitive concerns and/or, their families and carers
• Providing support with referrals to diagnostic, health and community support services by utilising local referral systems and supporting clients to navigate the aged care and disability systems as appropriate
• Ensuring services are delivered from an enablement perspective, empowering clients to take an active role in directing their own care and services

To be successful in this role you will be a team player, show an absolute commitment to the delivery of high-quality dementia services and support and meet the key selection criteria outlined below.

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the impacts of dementia for individuals, carers and their support networks
2. Empathic approach and the ability to quickly build rapport with a diverse range of clients
3. The ability to work with clients in a goal-directed way, develop care plans and implement practical strategies for clients, problem solve and enable positive outcomes
4. Knowledge and experience of group facilitation and group dynamics
5. Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills, including the use of active listening and reflective questioning
6. Agile mindset and the ability to quickly adapt to change

Qualifications:

• Formal qualification in a related field of either Social work, allied health, nursing and/or significant experience working with clients in the delivery of a community based service or within a health related field

If you thrive on activity and are looking for the next challenge as part of a dynamic team, we would like to hear from you. In return you will be offered a flexible and supportive environment as well as a number of attractive staff benefits. You will be making a difference in the lives of people living with dementia, their families and friends.