Senior Drug and Alcohol Educator
Job No:
88312
Location:
Orange, NSW
- Rewarding senior position developing the capacity of D&A services and communities in the west and far west of NSW
- Join a passionate NGO providing high-quality support to diverse communities
- Enjoy an attractive remuneration negotiable with experience, super, salary packaging, flexible working hours and travel expenses
About the Organisation
Lyndon is a non-government organisation providing alcohol and other drug treatment and services in residential and non-residential programs. The organisation provides residential services in Orange and outreach programs to much of the Central West, the Blue Mountains, the Murdi Paaki Region (West and Far West NSW), and Bega on the South Coast of NSW.
It is Lyndon's mission to provide accessible, high quality drug and alcohol services to reduce the risk of harm and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.
About Murdi Paaki Drug and Alcohol Network
The Murdi Paaki Drug and Alcohol Network (MPDAN), a workforce development strategy, is a partnership between Lyndon, Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, Bourke Aboriginal Health Service, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service, Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service and Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service Limited. MPDAN is also funded to deliver services to other health agencies in the Murdi Paaki region. The Program is funded through the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) under a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) initiative to reduce the harm done by alcohol and other drugs to Aboriginal communities.
The Murdi Paaki Drug & Alcohol Network’s Hub in Orange focuses on improving access to specialist drug and alcohol knowledge and supporting existing primary health care services to provide evidence-informed and culturally appropriate health promotion, prevention, early intervention, treatment and care through workforce development, capacity building and community development strategies. Frontline clinical services are provided by the Aboriginal medical services and other health agencies at the Network sites.
About the Opportunity
Lyndon now has a rewarding opportunity for an experienced Senior Drug and Alcohol Educator to join their team based in Orange, NSW on a full-time basis.
Reporting to and in close consultation with the MPDAN Program Manager, you will be primarily responsible for providing drug and alcohol based clinical, group and practice supervision and training services to the MPDAN network, Aboriginal communities, organisations and individuals in the region. This position supports the work of the Clinical Hub based in Orange by providing outreach and telehealth clinical services, coordinating specialist medical support, consulting on complex cases and reviews, providing practice supervision to Aboriginal Health Workers, D&A workers and other community service workers in the region. An important part of the role is supporting service development of partner Aboriginal health services in the Murdi Paaki region. This position also supports primary health care partners to develop, implement, and evaluate local plans to improve service coordination, and develop workforce and community capacity.
Your responsibilities will include (but will not be limited to):
- A strong understanding of Aboriginal health and culture, with the ability to advocate for culturally sensitive service provision;
- Providing culturally appropriate screening, assessment and education to Aboriginal service providers;
- Advocating for clients with co-morbid mental health and drug and alcohol issues;
- Ensuring practice is culturally informed;
- Mentoring and supervising students, trainees and staff on placement;
- Providing education to members of the Aboriginal Community on substance use/misuse disorders; and
- Contributing to a safe and supportive network environment.
To be successful in this position you must have tertiary qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Health Science or related disciplines with demonstrated clinical experience and a history of providing supervision and developing the workforce of drug and alcohol services. You will be capable of presenting and sharing education of the D&A programs to Support Workers and associated organisations and have strong knowledge of drugs, alcohol and related issues.
As this is a supervisory position, the ability to mentor, train and engage staff will be critical, as is the ability to develop rapport and gain trust with the Support Workers. You will be committed to up-skilling the drug and alcohol workforce and have a solid understanding of mental health issues. With excellent communication skills, you will take a non-judgemental approach and have cultural sensitivity when dealing with clients from a variety of backgrounds. Previous experience working in a rural setting and/or with Indigenous people will be highly regarded, but is not mandatory.
Please note: While this is not an identified position, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants who have the relevant experience and qualifications are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be required to travel within the MPDAN region and as such must have the ability to do this on a regular basis.
About the Benefits
Lyndon is committed to providing high-quality support services to their staff, as well as clients and as such, you will enjoy working in a close-knit and supportive team. You will receive ongoing access to in-house training programmes, aligned with current industry standard and will receive regular supervision and training, to ensure you are operating to the best of your ability.
In return for your hard work and commitment, you will enjoy an attractive remuneration rate negotiable with experience, plus super, salary sacrificing up to $16,050 and paid travel expenses.
In addition, you will have access to the organisation’s pool vehicles for travel and enjoy flexible hours including time-in-lieu, to help you balance your work/life commitments.
This is an opportunity to join a committed and passionate organisation in the provision of community support services and witness direct positive impact on your clients and the greater community - APPLY NOW!