• Fixed term contract: 12 months
• Full time: negotiable / flexible

Please note: We are open to discussions about temporary secondments from an ACCO, job sharing with an ACCO, part-time arrangements or other approaches that may be suitable and also support your cultural safety.

Location: Work from anywhere in the western Victoria region (Horsham, Warrnambool, Ballarat or Geelong areas) 

Western Victoria Primary Health Network

About Us

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) works across the lands of the Wadda Wurrung, Gulidjan, Gadubanud, Keeray Wurrung, Peek Wurrung, Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Wotjobaluk, Dja Dja Wurrung, Jadawadjarli, Wergaia, Jupagalk and Jaadwa peoples.

WVPHN is responsible for increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and coordination of health services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes. 

Working together with community and health industry partners, WVPHN is committed to strengthening the primary healthcare system, based on local needs. Our four regional centres in Ballarat, Geelong, Horsham and Warrnambool, drive local engagement and ensure strong rural and regional connections, through the development of local community and clinical councils.

Benefits of working with Western Victoria PHN

At WVPHN we celebrate diversity within and outside of our organisation. We consciously remove barriers and enable an environment for all to belong, feel welcome and be heard. This aligns with our organisational values of Respect, Connect and Lead. 

We also pride ourselves on being a supportive and flexible working place that offers a great range of benefits:

• Generous salary packaging options up to $15,900 + $2,650 meals and entertainment
• Professional development allowance ($1,200 per year per FTE) and leave.
• Family friendly and flexible working arrangements
• Collaboration with passionate, likeminded professionals
• Option to purchase additional leave.
• Additional leave between the Christmas and New Year period
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program

About the Role

Special Measure – First Nations People

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act (2010). This employment opportunity is only available to First Nations People.

WVPHN is looking for a First Nations person with connections to community and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in South West Victoria to support our staff to learn and seek knowledge so that they can understand and promote culturally respectful approaches in their work internally and externally.

The role will also work with WVPHN colleagues to build capacity of mainstream primary care agencies to deliver culturally appropriate services to First Nations people, and to foster collaboration between the mainstream primary health care sector and the First Nations health sector.

Duties include:

• Provide leadership in demonstrating, coaching, and mentoring individuals and teams in culturally respectful communication and behaviours
• Support executive and other colleagues in developing, maintaining and deepening ACCO relationships, individually and though Western District ACCO Collective (WDAC), which is WVPHN’s primary source of advice regarding First Nations health and wellbeing
• Provide leadership in encouraging and supporting WVPHN staff to undertake their own learning and pathways to understanding First Nations issues and historical context, including participation of onboarding new staff through Cultural Awareness in WVPHN's Corporate Inductions. 
• Provide guidance to the executive and management team on how they can enact appropriate transition and change strategies within their teams 
• Advise on addressing barriers faced by First Nations people when accessing mainstream primary care services

Key selection criteria - please address in your application

• Strongly connected to First Nations Community/Communities on the lands on which WVPHN works (Wadda Wurrung, Gulidjan, Gadubanud, Keeray Wurrung, Peek Wurrung, Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Wotjobaluk, Dja Dja Wurrung, Jadawadjarli, Wergaia, Jupagalk and Jaadwa peoples)
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the complex historical and current issues and challenges for improving the health status and outcomes for First Nations Peoples
• A minimum of five years of experience in culturally respectful and appropriate engagement with First Nations people, organisations and Communities
• Ability to communicate with influence, to bring internal and external stakeholders to a common purpose, or course of action

To find out more

Please contact Matt Dixon, Director First Nations Health, Public Health and Equity.

Phone: 0435 570 227

Email: [email protected]

How to apply

The full position description is available HERE.

Submit applications via the "Apply Now" button.

Please include:

• CV
• Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria as outlined above