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Project Officer

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Who Are We?

At MCRI we share a powerful vision; to re-imagine the future of child health. We are the home to many life-changing scientific discoveries. We believe that no question is too impossible to try and answer. We are renowned for our cutting edge focus on early interventions, improved diagnosis, prevention and development of potential cures. Our success is founded on a philosophy of collaboration through a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the toughest questions in child health.

MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. We are committed to creating a positive working environment which values all backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster an inclusive culture that is underpinned by equal opportunity for all and a culture based on respect, consideration and dignity. 

Intergenerational Health Group Overview:

The Intergenerational Health Group’s vision is health, wellbeing and equity for mothers, fathers, children and families.

Our program of research focuses on:

  • Improving the health and wellbeing of socially disadvantaged and ‘harder to reach’ populations, including Aboriginal families, families of refugee background and women and children experiencing family violence
  • Working in partnership with communities, health services and policy makers to reduce inequalities in health outcomes and break intergenerational cycles of social adversity and trauma
  • Conducting rigorous, high quality epidemiological research to improve understanding of the complex interplay of social, cultural, biological and environmental factors in persisting health inequalities
  • Co-designing, implementing and evaluating innovative, collaborative health services and health systems interventions to improve outcomes for socially disadvantaged populations.

The Opportunity

The Intergenerational Health group is seeking a Project Officer to join their team to work on the Strong Families, Strong Babies study. The study is being conducted as a partnership between the Intergenerational Health group at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (Foundation House), VICSEG New Futures, Djerriwarrh Health Service, and Melton City Council Maternal and Child Health Service.

The study aims to support maternity and early childhood healthcare services to better address the social factors known to influence maternal and child health outcomes. The study focuses on engaging with communities of India (particularly those speaking Punjabi) and communities of Burma (particularly those speaking Chin). As a Project Officer, you will engage and continue to build your community networks to help inform the study design and evaluation.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Work as a member of the Strong Families, Strong Babies research team to establish a Community Advisory Group and co-facilitate community meetings.
  • Engage community networks, community groups, and relevant agencies.
  • Assist with interpreting and translating of written and verbal information.
  • Engage women receiving maternity and early childhood healthcare to invite them to participate in consultation and the study evaluation.
  • Participate in training regarding study protocols and procedures.
  • Maintain high standards of ethical conduct in research, for example maintain confidentiality with regard to information shared with the research team.
  • Be required to travel between community locations and MCRI in Parkville.
  • Work with guidance from the study Partnership, Academic Advisory, and Community Advisory Groups.
  • Be aware of, and work in accordance with, MCRI policies and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity and Confidentiality Policies.

You Demonstrate:

Essential:

  • Experience in working with diverse refugee and migrant people, their families and communities.
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) and in a community language (either Chin or Punjabi)
  • Established community networks in communities of Burma in the Melton area, or in communities of India in the Melton area.
  • Demonstrated experience in community engagement.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills.
  • A good understanding of issues affecting families and communities of refugee and migrant backgrounds.
  • Attention to detail in maintaining high quality, accurate records in English.

Desirable:

  • Computer proficiency in MS Office, Internet and Email and/or willingness to learn skills in this area.
  • A relevant educational qualification and/or an appropriate level of expertise gained from a combination of experience, training or professional accreditation.
  • A current Victorian driver’s licence. Should you use your own car for work purposes, ensure you have relevant third party or comprehensive insurance.

On Offer:

  • Casual contract
  • Salary Range $44.12 - $46.82 per hour (Inclusive of casual loading) + super + salary packaging
  • On-site facilities include: car parking, childcare, Employee Assistance Program, mindfulness, gym, and bike storage… to highlight a few

Apply Now

For a full list of responsibilities and the key selection criteria download the position description or see attached.

Only applicants who address the key selection criteria will be considered. In one document please place your cover letter, key selection criteria, and resume. Applications will only be considered when submitted via the MCRI website by clicking Apply Now.

For specific questions not answered in the PD please contact Dr Laura Biggs [email protected] using the subject line: Project Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Click apply to proceed with your application.

Position Reference: 27641

MCRI is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability. Should you require any specific support or adjustments please talk to us and we will be happy to accommodate.

Please note: Applications via recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position.

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