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The Senior Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Training Officer – Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) will support general practitioners (GPs) and clinicians across the NQPHN region to learn about, use, and embed the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) tool in primary care settings. <br/><br/>The role can be located in NQPHN's Cairns, Townsville, or Mackay office.
Northern Queensland PHN
Cairns, Townsville, or Mackay
Contract/Temporary
NQPHN Human Resources
recruitment@nqphn.com.au
(07) 4034 0300
NQPHN vacancies
First Name
Human
Last Name
Resources
Phone Number
(07) 4034 0300
Email Address
recruitment@nqphn.com.au
Closing date
Job Description

About us

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is one of 31 regionalised and independent PHNs established nationally by the Commonwealth Department of Health to provide local communities with better access to improved primary healthcare services.

The NQPHN region extends from Moranbah in the south, up to the Torres Strait in the north, and west to Croydon and Kowanyama.

NQPHN aims to improve health outcomes for all residents by supporting, investing in, and working collaboratively with local Hospital and Health Services, the primary healthcare sector, local government areas (LGAs), other health organisations, and the wider community.

Find out more about NQPHN at www.nqphn.com.au 

The role

Full time contract to 30 June 2023.

NQPHN is seeking a Senior Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Training Officer to support general practitioners (GPs) and clinicians across the NQPHN region to learn about, use, and embed the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) tool in primary care settings.

As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government announced funding of $34.2 million to expand and implement the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) tool into primary care settings to assist GPs, allied health professionals, and other referrers to determine a consistent and appropriate level of care for a consumer needing mental health assistance, using a holistic decision support tool.

The role of the Senior IAR Training Officer is to:

  • develop an in-depth understanding of the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Guidance document, Implementation Toolkit, and the IAR Decision Support Tool (DST)
  • in consultation with Clinical Councils and local GPs, develop a regional IAR implementation plan and identify potential obstacles to implementation, tailoring implementation strategies to the local context
  • work closely with the provider/practice engagement team to coordinate IAR training for GPs – working towards established regional targets for GP completion of training
  • coordinate and deliver IAR training to users of the IAR resources
  • develop processes for the support of IAR users including support online, via telephone, videoconference, and/or in-person
  • facilitate regional activities deemed important and valuable by local GPs relating to IAR (e.g., peer-led learning groups or communities of practice)
  • develop record keeping processes to document, monitor, and report on training progress and completion
  • develop processes for and coordinate regional reporting and evaluation of the implementation activity (including training data, participant satisfaction data, implementation outcomes)
  • additionally, provide training and support to staff working in Head to Health Centres, Aboriginal Medical Services, commissioned service providers, and other staff in the NQPHN region
  • build strong relationships with IARTOs across the PHN network, exploring opportunities for cross-boundary learning and collaboration
  • work closely with the National IAR project team within the Department of Health, the National Project Manager, and other PHN TSOs to contribute to national implementation priorities and resources.

Key selection criteria

  • A relevant tertiary qualification (nursing/allied health/education) and at least three years’ experience in the delivery/facilitation of training/education programs.
  • Demonstrated understanding of mental health issues including specific experience of working in the mental health field.
  • Clear understanding teaching methodologies appropriate in an adult learning environment.
  • Highly developed interpersonal, communication, influencing, partnering, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, particularly in relation to community and stakeholder engagement within the health sector.
  • Demonstrated understanding of project management and experience in project design and delivery.
  • Demonstrated awareness of the importance, and how to deal with confidential and sensitive information.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in a high demand work environment.

Other requirements

  • Current Drivers Licence.
  • Provide a National Police Check less than three months old.
  • Be able to meet the requirements of a Working with Children (Blue Card) Qld (if required).

The benefits

NQPHN offers a great range of benefits to its employees, including:

  • access to generous not for profit salary sacrifice taxation benefits
  • annual leave loading
  • Employment Assistance Program offered to all staff and family members.

About you

If you are looking for the opportunity to be part of a passionate and driven team and contribute to achieving our mission of ‘Northern Queenslanders live happier, healthier, longer lives,’ we’d love to hear from you.

NQPHN aims to be an employer of choice for Indigenous Australians, and we encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role.

For further information on this position and to view the position description, please view the documents in the below links.

Your application should include:

  • Cover letter (not exceeding two pages).
  • Response to the Key Selection Criteria (not exceeding two pages).
  • Your resume.

To submit an application for this position, please send your application to recruitment@nqphn.com.au

Applications close Friday 24 June 2022 at 5pm.

Download this advert as a PDF

Download the position description