Who we are

The MJD Foundation partners with and supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. The MJDF is an Aboriginal organisation and we take our core values from combining best practice western and traditional cultural knowledge in the ‘Our-way’ approach. By providing flexible and culturally responsive care based on a strong foundation of enduring relationships, we aim to provide families living with MJD specialist care and support, working together to stay stronger for longer.

We are currently recruiting for a Therapy Program Manager to lead our team of Allied Health professionals.

The Position

The MJD Foundation has recently established a dedicated therapy program, supporting people living with MJD in the NT access specialist multidisciplinary allied health care. We are an Aboriginal organisation, providing flexible and culturally responsive care based on a strong foundation of enduring relationships. We aim to provide families living with MJD specialist care and support, working together to stay stronger for longer.

A central part of the vision of the program is working in partnership with MJDF clients and Aboriginal Community Worker staff to explore opportunities to learn from each other, integrating evidence-based, best practice approaches to rehabilitation with traditional therapies, knowledge and values to work towards clients’ goals.

The Therapy Program Manager provides strategic input, management, oversight and direction for the MJDF’s Therapy program and leadership and guidance to the Therapy Team, in addition to providing a limited amount of clinical support to a small case load of clients. The Therapy Program Manager will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with the broader clinical services team to contribute to the delivery of Ataxia Clinic and support the delivery of key research projects. The position is part of the Management team of the MJDF and incorporates teamwork alongside other senior staff of the MJDF.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD)- estimated travel requirement approximately 1 week travel every 6 weeks;
• Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance;
• Willingness to adhere to Government mandated vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance;
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NT class C manual drivers’ license;

Who you are

Do you want to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal families living with Machado Joseph disease and SCA7?

Are you an experienced clinician that has the ability to lead a diverse team of allied health professionals?

It is important that you demonstrate that you are self-motivated, that you are passionate about your work and that you have experience in remote service delivery. You will have strong interpersonal skills, are a great communicator and you have the ability to interact effectively and in a culturally appropriate manner with Aboriginal Australians.

The expertise that you bring to the role may be varied, including skills that you have developed in your previous leadership roles, and your life experience as a member of the community and a user of the service system.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply!

Selection Criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (Health, Disability, Community Services) with at least 2 years relevant leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
• At least 5 years of clinical experience including experience working in a neurological and/or rehabilitation setting;
• Demonstrated practical experience in the delivery of therapeutic services in Aboriginal communities, within a remote delivery setting.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and attributes with the ability to interact effectively in a highly responsive manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from a diverse range of cultures.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to consult, collaborate and negotiate effectively.
• A deep knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective.
• A commitment to multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral working.
• Ability to create, lead and motivate a (cross cultural) team ‘Our Way’;
• Demonstrated experience and competency with a range of computer software including Microsoft Suite and Client Management Systems (CMS).
• Knowledge of and experience working with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and experience working with NDIS participants/plans;

Desirable criteria

• Working knowledge of NT/QLD Government and/or NGO services and facilities.
• Training, education or mentoring experience.

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive work environment;
• Above award level pay rate;
• Tax free fringe benefit up to $15,900 p.a., plus meal entertainment benefit up to $2,650 p.a.;
• 6 weeks annual leave;
• One day paid wellbeing day and gift;
• A holistic workplace that offers flexibility (hours/where you work);
• Professional development;
• Access to free confidential supports via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
• Free on-site car parking;
• Relocation package for the right candidate.

Please have a look at our website www.mjd.org.au.

For more information you can contact Libby Massey, Director Research, Clinical Services & Education, via [email protected] using the subject line: Therapy Program Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs, or 0417 279 120.

A position description is attached.