• Are you a champion of harm minimisation in the management of substance use in the community?
• Make a positive and tangible contribution to the community
• Support health sector workforces to actively minimise the harms of drug use
• 2 years Full Time
• Salary commensurate with experience plus superannuation and Not-for-Profit Salary Packaging Benefits

PENINGTON INSTITUTE

Penington Institute is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation connecting lived experience and research to improve community safety in relation to drugs including pharmaceuticals and alcohol.

Our vision is that communities are safe, healthy and empowered to manage substance use.

We focus on promoting effective strategies, frontline workforce education and public awareness activities, making individuals and families safer and healthier.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Workforce Development Coordinator is primarily responsible for engaging with frontline workers in the Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) and the broader harm reduction, alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health sectors. This engagement includes delivering learning and development content to minimise the harms of drug use.

Ongoing engagement with frontline services allows current needs and changing priorities to be understood and emerging issues to be identified and addressed.

The role contributes to the broader objectives of Penington Institute and is key to the establishment and delivery of learning and development programs to increase the workforce capability of mental health and alcohol and other drug workers.

In a small organisation, a hands-on approach and a willingness to chip in and get things done are essential requirements.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Manager, Workforce Development, the Workforce Development Coordinator plays a critical role in assisting the Penington Institute to achieve its strategic objectives.

You will deliver training and education across the health sector, including to needle and syringe program staff, and contribute to the development of new initiatives to reduce harm associated with drug use.

Be part of a positive, energetic and dedicated team (12 staff in total) who are passionate about Penington Institute’s mission to actively support the adoption of approaches to substance use that promote safety and human dignity.

The role offers flexibility for hybrid work and a great work environment.

The Person:

The successful candidate will ideally have a clinical background and a passion for education, training, and development, as well as experience in developing educational materials, delivering online as well as in-person training sessions and providing consultation services.

You are likely to understand and have experience delivering training in a range of engaging formats and work to build the capacity of workforces including the needle and syringe programs.

You are always open to new ideas and ways to empower people with knowledge.

You understand the challenges we face supporting approaches to drug use that promote safety and human dignity.

You have a desire to give back to society by undertaking impactful, cause-based work.

You enjoy being hands-on across the breadth of training but also like to contribute to other areas of an organisation where you can add value.

You understand and are committed to the values of, and benefits delivered by, the not-for-profit sector.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL POSSESS:

• Clinical experience in the alcohol and drug or mental health fields or a sound understanding of current alcohol and drug and mental health issues
• A track record of developing, delivering, and evaluating training content
• An understanding of the workforce development needs of frontline workers in the community and health sector
• The ability to project manage a number of education/training projects, including utilising online training platforms
• Proficiency in using Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Word, Outlook) and Zoom and experience using a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to liaise, influence and negotiate with funders and other stakeholders
• Preferably, post-graduate tertiary qualification in the health, social or mental health fields

WHAT WE OFFER

• A salary commensurate with experience plus superannuation
• Full Not-for-Profit salary packaging
• Friendly and supportive team
• Flexible working hours including a Hybrid work model.

Download a copy of the position description here.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Roland Jauernig, Manager, Workforce Development, on +61 3 9650 0699.

If you believe you have the ability to fill this position, please submit click 'Apply Now' to submit your application.

Please ensure your application includes a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria as well as a current CV.

Applications Close: There is no deadline – please apply as soon as possible.

**Please note applications will be screened upon receipt and advertising will close upon the appointment of the successful applicant.**