EMPLOYMENT STATUS Part-Time(12 Months - Time Limited)

TITLEATSIMentor Coordinator

ATSI NDIS Emerging Leaders Program

EMPLOYMENT STATUSPart-time(12 months - Time Limited)

AWARD Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Modern Award

Level 4

REPORTS TOProgram Manager

PROBATION3 Months

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CONNECTIONS MISSION

To improve mental health in the community.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Connections is a not-for-profit community service organisation that provides individual support, training, programs and advocacy in the support of mental health and wellbeing. Connections vision is to Improve Mental Health in the Community and achieves this by providing relevant evidence-based learning and life skill development programs that assist in the facilitation of recovery.

Connections is committed to supporting people to be well resourced and make choices regarding all aspects of their individual support. We encourage the people we work with to make informed decisions about every day and long-term lifestyle issues, and to direct their own journey towards wellbeing and recovery. Each person’s individual needs are identified, and the planning offered will be responsive to these needs. Connections acknowledges its responsibility to respond to the individual need of each client, and ensures that the persons planis guided by an individual’s goals and aspirations.

Connections also recognises each person’s right to the social justice principle of self-determination. It is committed to service provision in a manner that is consistent with the principles of dignity of risk and duty of care. Connections promotes the rights of people who experience mental illness and / or psychiatric disability to be active and valued members of their community. Participants are encouraged and supported to develop strategies which enable them to manage their mental illness and recovery. We see ourselves as an agent for change rather than just a service provider, where we acknowledge people who use our services strengths and abilities, and work on expanding on people’s capabilities.

Connections also understands and values the need for activities, information, training and workshops to be delivered within the community, which assists people to understand and manage their own mental health and wellbeing. In 2016 Connections expanded its services by opening a Training and Wellness Centre in King Street, Caboolture. This centre is designed to provide an opportunity for all community members to easily access training and programs covering holistic health and wellbeing needs and skill development.

Connections Inc uses a holistic approach that includes a high standard of NDIS education, information and support services along with the promotion of social justice. This is facilitated through the organisation's NDIS/FYI health educational services, mixing together traditional Indigenous culture and the best of mainstream NDIS integration.

Connections Inc. is predominately funded by Queensland Health and the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services to provide recovery learning and living programs for adults who experience the negative impacts of mental health or a resulting psychiatric disability. Connections Inc operates under the regulations of the Human Services Act 2006, Disability Services Standards, and all relevant Industrial Relations requirements.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people with disability and people with disability face a range of barriers to accessing supports and services due to the limited and lack of culturally appropriate services available and the lack of local, community based options for them to access. Barriers to accessing appropriate and adequate supports are exacerbated for ATSI people living in remote communities.

The implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland presents opportunities to improve access to support that better meets the needs of ATSI people with a disability, their families and carers.

This project will assist existing, new and potential organisations, in specific community locations to take advantage of NDIS business opportunities and to build service and community capacity.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Emerging Leaders Program’ has a vision to support 8 self-sustaining ATSI NDIS proficient communities to grow economically, by;

Developing or creating new businesses under the NDIS where –

• People within the communities with a disability receive culturally appropriate services, when and how they need them.

Creating employment options for local people

Supporting ATSI and Non-ATSI service providers to feel confident in delivering services on country.

Developing an ATSI Tool Kit for NDIS Readiness that can be utilised by any ATSI Community, or Non ATSI service wanting to provide culturally appropriate services on country.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Connections is seeking aMentor Coordinator to join their dedicated, multidisciplinary team in Caboolture, on a part-time basis (min 15 -max 38 hours per week) for a fixed period (12 months). This position requires extensive travel throughout QLD and flexibility in delivery style and days.

Reporting to the Program Manager, Laurie Perkins youwill beresponsible for mentoring, leading, managing, and coordination of the ATSI Mentors on country.This program assists by providing a range of NDIS, Business and Leadership skill development and support programs and is non-clinical in its focus.

ABOUT THE ROLE
As the ATSIMentor Coordinator you will have a demonstrated understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture. You will have a true passion for supporting and empowering theATSIpopulation to gain a better understanding of the NDIS, and promote employment options by assisting them through their education and employment pathways to achieve their goals. This role will require you to network with local disability and other service providers, local residents, Elders, council members, training organisations and other referral services in order to achieve the very best outcomes for ATSIcommunities as they move forward into the NDIS. This is a Part-time, FIXED-term positon for a period of twelve (12) months (ending June 2018).

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

ABOUT YOU
Thriving on individual accountability you will embrace a performance driven culture. You will be able to build relationships and networks across all levels of community and have a good understanding and appreciation of ATSI culture and cultural practices. Previous experience working within a mentoring role and community development is highly desirable.

CERTIFICATIONS – ESSENTIAL Successful ongoing employment will be subject to successful certifications listed;

Police check

DS Criminal History Check – paper work will be completed on commencement

Blue Card – Working with Children Check – paper work will be completed on commencement

(Cost of Certifications will be paid for by Connections Inc.)

SKILLS REQUIRED

You have proven yourself to be an exceptional mentor or role model

You know how to assist others with complex problems and help others navigate their own journey

Established understanding and awareness of NDIS.

Proven understanding of the barriers affecting ATSI participants and the NDIS with the ability to personalise assistance and achieve outcomes.

You can work with technology email,outlook, social media etc.

You have knowledge and empathy with the ATSI communities

Demonstrated ability to communicate with ATSI people

Proven ability to stay positive and see opportunities when others see challenges

Proven ability to have fun whilst getting the job done

Demonstrate an understanding of the program mission.

Conduct your duties following Connections policies, procedures and guidelines.

Demonstrate empathy for people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Minimise the projects exposure to risk.

Ensure consistent delivery of the highest level of NDIS messaging.

Deliver agreed outcomes, on time and in accordance with best practice principles.

Work is conducted consistently and with integrity, trust and innovation.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and sustain working relationships with a diverse range of people.

Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise work to meet deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to meet set KPI’s and operational targets.

Proven administration and reporting ability, proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Suite.

Perform other duties as directed (within the skill range of the employee).

Demonstrated ability to negotiate and problem solve and handle highly sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

High level of organisational and time management skills including the ability to work effectively under pressure, both independently and as part of a team

To be considered you will need qualifications and/or experience in a relevant discipline such as Community Services, Community Development, and/or Project Management etc.

You will need an established understanding and awareness of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or a willingness, commitment and ability to learn quickly.

This role will see you visiting and workingthroughout Qld in 8 ATSI Communities. You will need a current driver's license, 4WD drive experience, and the willingness to travel on light aircraft and be away from home for periods of time.

ABOUT THE BENEFITS

This role will be negotiated within level 4 of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. This position will be based in Caboolture, Queensland, but will include travel to rural and remote areas of Queensland.

This package includes:

Annual leave (Pro Rata per year)

Salary packaging options (Increases take home pay)

Full support from the Connections team

Allowances whilst away from home

Use of a mobile phone and laptop for work purposes.

As part of your application please include up to a two page cover letter which provides a clear explanation of why you are applying for the role of ATSI Mentor Co-ordinator and why you feel you are suited to assisting people to understand the NDIS and create sustainable communities under the new reform.

PROBATION & PERFORMANCE

A three month probationary review period applies for new employees.

In accordance with Connections Inc. policy, your line manager will review your ongoing performance throughout the course of the year through supervision.

Connections works within a coaching environment and can apply coaching techniques, mentoring and identify training needs to assist in professional development.

If issues arise at any time, in relation to poor performance, conduct, attitude or behaviour, in it will be managed through HR policy and procedures.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The following conditions of employment are indicative only and subject to variation. Formal and binding conditions of employment are as detailed in the Employment Agreement.

The position is casual with hours varying according to organisational project needs.

The position is subject to Connections Inc receiving continued relevant funding.

Employment is dependent on a successful criminal history screen and the issue of a Disability Services Positive Notice card, Blue Card – Working with Children card.

Connections supports an honest and accountable workplace; any acts of dishonesty will result in termination.

Applicant/Employee Declaration

I agree to abide by the contents of this Position Description and understand that it may reasonably be varied from time to time.

Applicant/Employee Name: ______

Applicant/Employee Signature: ______

Date: ______