The role

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 Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) in primary healthcare settings to assist general practitioners (GPs), other referrers, and mental health service providers determine a consistent and appropriate level of care for people seeking mental health assistance. 

The Senior Training Officer – MHAOD supports GPs other referrers, and mental health service providers to utilise the IAR-DST to complement their clinical and professional judgement and ensure people seeking mental health care are referred to the most appropriate service based on their needs.  

Role-specific

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the IAR-DST.
• In consultation with local GPs and mental health service providers, implement a regional IAR-DST operational plan, tailoring implementation strategies to the local context.
• Work closely with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network’s (NQPHN’s) Primary Care Engagement team to coordinate and deliver IAR-DST training for GPs and other primary healthcare providers, working towards established regional targets for GP completion of training. 
• Work closely with the broader NQPHN team to coordinate and deliver IAR-DST training for staff working in commissioning service providers including Head to Health sites and Aboriginal Medical Services.
• Develop processes to provide support to IAR users via a range of modalities, including online, telephone, videoconference, and in-person. 
• Develop record keeping processes to document, monitor, and report on training progress and completion. 
• Build strong relationships with Training Officers across the national PHN network, exploring opportunities for cross-boundary learning and collaboration in the delivery of IAR-DST training.
• Work closely with the National IAR-DST Project Team within the Commonwealth Department of Health, the National Project Manager, and other PHN Training Officers to contribute to national implementation priorities and resources.
• Work with the broader MHAOD team and Primary Care Engagement team to coordinate and/or develop and implement other training as identified for the sector.
• As a member of the MHAOD team, be involved in broader planning and design work that is being undertaken.

Key selection criteria

• A relevant tertiary qualification (nursing/allied health/education) and at least three years’ experience in the facilitation of training programs or equivalent relevant sector experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of primary healthcare and the mental health service system.
• 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) Queensland (if required).

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 Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role.

To view the position description, please click here.

To view the job advert, please click here.

Your application should include:

• cover letter (not exceeding two pages)
• response to the Key Selection Criteria (no more than two pages)
• your resume.

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

Applications close Monday 31 July 2023 at 5pm.