Directions Health Services is an innovative non-profit organisation that has been providing specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the ACT and NSW for more than 40 years. Pathways Murrumbidgee is one of Directions’ programs. It offers a range of community-based treatment and support services to people impacted by AOD and co-occurring issues in Griffith, Wagga, and the surrounding region.

Directions provides a comprehensive suite of holistic AOD, mental health and primary health services that aim to reduce harms experienced by individuals, families and communities and improve overall health and wellbeing. Our capacity to implement innovative services developed in collaboration with our clients, partners, and other stakeholders, enables us to effectively respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve.

At Directions we pride ourselves on our supportive, inclusive, employee and client-centred culture. Our excellent culture has led to our very high staff retention rates and great reputation within the mental health and AOD sectors.

The Position

As a AOD & GP Liaison Nurse in the multidisciplinary Pathways Murrumbidgee team (Griffith), you will work closely with GPs to provide alcohol and other drug (AOD) outpatient withdrawal services for clients with low to moderate needs. You will also provide primary health care and support to people with AOD problems, mental illness and other complex health concerns. All services you provide will be underpinned by trauma informed and harm reduction frameworks.

This position is on a part time (0.6 FTE) Fixed Term contract.

Other responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive health care to clients including withdrawal services, health promotion and prevention activities, screening, early intervention, acute care and chronic illness support
• Work collaboratively with Pathways Murrumbidgee team members, other Directions programs and other service providers to support a comprehensive and holistic approach to meeting clients’ needs
• Ensure documentation is up to date and of an appropriate standard, including client case notes, reports and other written communication, and ensure effective handover of information when required
• Maintain professional and clinical standards in relation to service delivery and confidentiality
• Take responsibility to work in accordance with health and safety guidelines and Directions’ policies and procedures, and actively engage in continuous quality improvement and risk management processes

What we offer:

• A flexible and supportive work environment
• RN Level 2 salary plus superannuation, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience
• Generous salary packaging benefits
• 17½% leave loading
• Professional development and training opportunities

What we would like you to have

• Registered General Nurse with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
• Minimum of 5 years nursing experience, preferably including experience working with vulnerable communities
• Proven clinical competency in providing AOD withdrawal services and undertaking primary health assessments including immunisation, venepuncture, pathology specimen collection, wound and vein care
• Demonstrated awareness of the health impacts of long-term alcohol and drug use, including sound knowledge of blood borne viruses, liver disease and treatment options
• Demonstrated knowledge of primary health care, including complex health issues commonly experienced by vulnerable population groups
• Understanding of the impact of the social determinants of health
• A non-judgemental approach to working with clients, underpinned by harm reduction and trauma-informed frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, as part of a multidisciplinary team and with other programs and services
• Excellent communication skills, computer literacy in Microsoft Office, and experience with patient information management systems
• A current Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

If you would like to discuss the role further, contact our HR team at [email protected] using the subject line: AOD & GP Liaison Nurse - Griffith enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Directions is passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and we greatly value diversity in our organisation. We actively encourage applicants from all background and cultures. Research shows that women and other marginalised individuals tend to only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the requirements. If you think you may be a good fit for this position, but don't necessarily meet every requirement, please get in touch. We would love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.