Job Description

Job Title

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NMCADS Aboriginal Diversion Officer

Location / North Metro Community Alcohol and Drug Service
Award Status / Cyrenian House Enterprise Agreement 2012-2016
Classification / Level 4-5
Reporting Relationships


Job Function
The Aboriginal Diversion Officeraims to provide a culturally secure, evidenced based, early intervention police and court diversion for Aboriginal offenders. The Aboriginal Diversion Officer will be responsible for the delivery of the Western Australian (Alcohol and other Drug) Diversion Program within their respective court.
The position will provide alcohol and other drug assessment, referral, intervention and harm minimisation information, predominantly to Aboriginal offenders appearing in court. This position involves working closely with alcohol and other drug agencies throughout Western Australia and other key stakeholders within the court system.

Duties and Responsibilities

Mission and Values

  • Support, promote and work in accordance with the Mission and Values of Cyrenian House.
  • Work in accordance with Cyrenian House Ethical Principles and Standard of Conduct.

Western Australian Diversion Program

  • Provision of WADP program delivery to the Perth and Joondalup magistrate’s courts in a manner consistent with the Service Requirements for Non-Residential Alcohol and other Drug Diversion Treatment Providers.
  • Provision of diversion treatment delivery which includes the provision of assessment, treatment and on referral in a manner consistent with the Service Requirements for Non-Residential Alcohol and other Drug Diversion Treatment Providers.
  • Provision of priority access for clients referred through the WADP.

Assessment, Referral and Intervention

  • Provide AOD assessment to determine client suitability for participation in a Diversion program.
  • Write assessments and recommendations to the court on clients AOD use and treatment needs.
  • Provide a referral service to clients seeking the Diversion Program
  • Provide harm minimisation information to clients.
  • Support drug treatment agencies in engaging clients.

Feedback/Reporting to Court

  • Coordinate feedback from drug treatment agencies to the court.
  • Provide written and verbal reports to the court on client engagement in treatment.

Representation and Networking

  • Develop and maintain a working knowledge of AOD and other relevant agencies/services.
  • Work in partnership with the WA diversion program (WADP) and associated programs to increase the involvement and engagement of aboriginal people in the WADP police and court programs.
  • Attend appropriate meetings and forums to facilitate networking, and development of partnerships.
  • Liaise with the Aboriginal alcohol and other drug program, Mental Health Commission (MHC) participating in relevant activities where appropriate.
  • Actively liaise with and promote the program to relevant agencies and stakeholders.
  • Attend regular identified meetings and other networking groups as directed.
  • Attend bi-monthly metropolitan Diversion Officer Meetings as convened by the Mental Health Commission.

Teamwork and Agency Development

  • Participate as a valued team member promoting and contributing to a supportive team environment.
  • Provide expertise, support and consultation to team members regarding Aboriginal cultural issues where appropriate.
  • Attend staff meetings, alcohol and other drug training sessions and planning workshops.
  • Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the agency service model and service delivery of policies and procedures.
  • Attend up to 2 x 2 days per year of relevant Diversion Officer training and development as determined by the Mental Health Commission.

Administration and Supervision

  • Participate in regular supervision sessions.
  • Maintain client files and statistics, as well as other client related administration duties.
  • Assist in data collection and research relating to the program.
  • Prepare written and verbal reports on the progress of the program.
  • Undertake other administrative and office management tasks as required.

Selection Criteria

  • Identifies as an Aboriginal person and is accepted as such by the Aboriginal community.
  • Demonstrated and well developed AOD assessment, counselling and referral skills.
  • Demonstrated and well developed written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including report writing.
  • Knowledge of services and community resources relevant to the needs of the client group.
  • Experience in working as part of a team.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Well-developed time management and organisational skills.
  • A degree in Social,Behavioural or Health Sciences or Professional Registration and/or addictions studies qualifications or significant experience.
  • Current First Aid Certificate
  • Sound knowledge of court procedures.
  • A current driver's license and National Police Clearance

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