Rural Health Worker

Position Purpose:

Responsible for improving access to services through coordination and cooperation by responding to the community's needs and improve health outcomes for people living with COPD, cardiovascular disease, mental illness and dementia.

Reports to:

RFDS Primary Health Care Coordinator

Position Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Deliver one-on-one sessions, small group education programs and health promotion activities;
• Map community needs and existing services to identify gaps;
• Provide care coordination, transfer of care services and an interface of specialist services; while actively promoting heath literacy;
• Actively identify community members disengaged from health services and work to implement effective care;
• Manage communications and information sharing between local service providers (including GPs and hospitals), local government areas, not-for-profits and the RFDS;
• Work with and support community members living with chronic conditions being COPD, cardiovascular, mental health and dementia to identify, respond and better manage their health and wellbeing;
• Support Diabetes Tasmania to deliver improved health outcomes for people with diabetes;
• Work with both local and visiting service providers to deliver practical and serviceable programs to the region;
• Work autonomously and as part of a team;
• Adhere to compliance legislation and policies;
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times;
• Ensure a safe working environment by complying with relevant work health and safety legislation, policies and procedures; and
• Prepared to undergo further training and development as required.

Working Relationships:

External

• Community Groups
• Clients
• Local and visiting service providers
• Hospitals and General Practice
• Local Government Authority representative
• Primary Health Tasmania

Internal

• RFDS Primary Health Care Coordinator
• RFDS Metal Health Worker
• RFDS Exercise Physiologist
• Other RFDS staff and programs

Scope:

Direct Reports: Nil

Selection Criteria:

1. A relevant associate diploma or certificate qualification with relevant experience; or at least 3 years' experience working in the community based health sector;
2. Ability to design information and communication sessions, collect and report accurate information;
3. Ability to conduct needs assessment and planning;
4. Thorough knowledge of health services and issues pertaining to people living in rural and remote areas;
5. Project management and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and efficiently identify and resolve issues;
6. An understanding of person-centredness, health literacy, and social determinants of health;
7. Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team; and
8. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Tasmanian Drivers Licence;
• Current National Police and working with Vulnerable people check;
• Current First Aid certificate;
• Flexible Hours - willing to work night and weekends as required; and
• Travel within Tasmania that may include over night.

Award Remuneration:

Health Professional and Support Services Award 2010