• Fixed Term Position until June 2024
• Part-Time at 64 hours per fortnight (hours negotiable) - weekend work required
• Allied Health Professional / Nurse / Community Development Worker (Grade/Class 2 or equivalent)
• Alfred Health Location - Emergency Department

We are looking for professionals with experience in supporting people with communication and/or sensory challenges.

Professions suitable include Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Special Needs Educators, Key Workers etc.

The Department

Alfred Health’s Allied Health comprises a number of Allied Health disciplines that provide patient-centred care across all clinical programs that operate at Alfred Health. The Allied Health team includes clinicians from Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Nutrition and Psychology (including Neuropsychology) and are supported by Allied Health Assistants. The Allied Health team works closely with the Nursing and Medical teams to provide a comprehensive and timely service to both in-patients and out-patients.

The SPEAK (Specialist Education And Knowledge) Project was established following Alfred Health’s receipt of an Information, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) Building Program grant managed by the Department of Social Services. The aim of the SPEAK Project is to build capability in the health workforce and improve processes to meet the healthcare needs of people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, communication disabilities/communication support needs and those who are autistic.

The Position Summary

The Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) – Rapid Response will have a passion for improving healthcare accessibility and health outcomes for people with lived experience of autism, intellectual disability and communication disability. They will support the Disability Liaison Service through involvement in clinical service provision and participate in service development in line with SPEAK Project objectives.

Under the supervision of the Disability Liaison Officer Rapid Response Stream Leader and with support from the Allied Health Team Lead – Emergency, the successful incumbent will use their knowledge and skills in communication, sensory and behavioural support, along with an understanding of the demands of health and disability services, to deliver rapid response secondary consult services to patients in a fast-paced hospital setting. This will involve working with patients, their support people and health service staff in person and consultation with colleagues working at South West Healthcare. The incumbent will also contribute to service design and development activities and reporting requirements of the SPEAK Project under the supervision of the SPEAK Project Lead. These activities may include planning; co-design with consumers with lived experience of disability; promotion of the service to staff and the community; implementation; data collection in line with the SPEAK Project evaluation, and ongoing review and development of the service within Alfred Health.

The role will suit someone with experience or understanding of intersectional identities, including LGBTIQ+, Aboriginal and CALD people with disabilities; and an understanding of challenges in delivering care in rural and regional areas.

Skills and Qualifications Required

• Qualifications in an Allied Health Discipline or nursing are desirable, but not essential
• Strong consideration will be given to applicants who have qualifications in disability or education with appropriate employment experience
• Knowledge and experience in supporting people with disabilities including autism, intellectual disability and communication disability in health, disability and/or education settings, with competency in designing and/or implementing communication, sensory and positive behaviour support in line with best practice
• Good knowledge of the range of generic and specialist service options available to support referrals and service access for patients with a disability
• Experience with assessment, carer/support planning, resource development, maintaining patient-related documentation, and training of staff and support people
• The ability to deal appropriately with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders using excellent written and oral communication skills

Staff Benefits

• Salary Packaging and Novated Leasing
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Staff Car Parking (subject to availability)
• Onsite Gym (Alfred Hospital)
• Close to shops and public transport

applications

To submit your application, click 'Apply Now'. Please include a Cover Letter addressing the Essential and Desirable skills and qualifications as listed in the Position Description.

For further enquiries, please contact Cathy Willmot, DLO Allied Health Team Leader at 0427 003 026.

A position description is attached.