Mental Illness Fellowship of
JOB AND
PERSON DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Respite Program Coordinator
Classification: SACS Award Level 4 ($20.83 - $22.38 per
hour)
Position Hours: 0.5 FTE
ORGANISATION
The Mental Illness
Fellowship of South Australia (MIFSA) is a community based, not for profit
organisation, which provides a range of education, support, rehabilitation and
information services and programs for people with mental illness, their carers
and the community. MIFSA programs are delivered utilising the “lived
experience” of people with mental illness and carers, and according to a
psychosocial rehabilitation model and recovery philosophy and practice.
MIFSA’s objectives include promoting greater community knowledge, awareness,
support and understanding of the effects of mental illness on individuals and
their carers. These objectives are pursued through research, illness
management, support, reducing stigma and advancing the rights of people with a
mental illness and their carers. MIFSA is part of a national body with
branches across states and territories in
OUR VISION,
Our vision is that
every person with mental illness is able to make a valued contribution to
society, without stigma or discrimination, due to an increased understanding
and awareness of mental illness in the community and the availability of
appropriate services as required.
Our mission is to
provide education, support, rehabilitation and recovery-based programs in a
safe, quality environment to assist people with mental illness and their
natural support network living in
Our values:
Commitment, Respect, Quality and Acceptance.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general direction and direct supervision of
a Respite Program Team Leader, the Respite Coordinator will assist in the
development and running of the Program which provides support to carers and
individuals experiencing mental illness. The Program is
based in two regions: north-west and south-east metropolitan
The Respite Coordinator will be required to build and
maintain respectful and compassionate relationships with carers and care
recipients in order to assist them to determine and access appropriate
supports. This will include offering opportunities and encouragement in
identifying needs and meeting individual goals towards recovery. The Respite Coordinator
will offer individual support in accordance with rehabilitation and recovery
principles to facilitate the caring journey for carers and the recovery journey
for participants.
SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
The Respite Coordinator
position is offered at 0.5 FTE. The MIFSA Respite Program is funded by the
Australian Government under the Mental Health Respite Program to 30th
June 2010.
The Respite Coordinator
position may require flexible work hours. Flexible work hours are subject to
the needs of the Program, as negotiated with a Respite Program Team Leader.
National Police clearance is required prior to appointment. The
Respite Coordinator will be required to use their own vehicle and will be
compensated for mileage under the terms and rate stated in the Award. The
duties of the position may vary over time but will remain consistent with the
role of Respite Coordinator. The position is subject to ongoing funding
from the Commonwealth Department of Families, Communities and Indigenous
Affairs.
DUTIES
1.
Under the general direction of the Respite Program Team Leaders, assist
in the coordination, development, delivery and evaluation of high quality
Respite Programs in metropolitan
2.
Build and maintain respectful and compassionate relationships with
carers and care recipients in order to assist them to determine and access
appropriate respite services.
3.
Develop relevant sector networks and liase closely with Commonwealth
Respite and Carelink Centres to maintain effective working relationships.
4.
Work closely with Respite Program team members to develop resources,
policies, processes and networks relevant to increasing respite opportunities
for carers of people with severe mental illness.
5.
Develop and implement assessments resulting in targeted program delivery
and development of respite plans for carers and care recipients accessing
respite programs through MIFSA.
6.
Under the general direction the Respite Program Team Leaders, maintain
appropriate records and reporting related to the administration of the Respite
Program and in accordance with Funding and Service Agreement requirements.
7.
Plan, develop and implement special projects as directed by the Respite
Program Team Leaders to meet specific and identified needs of participants and
the community.
8.
Provide mental health information, education, assistance and referral by
way of telephone, email or face-to-face enquiries to enable individuals to access
information, services and supports.
9.
Maintain up to date mental health knowledge and participate in regular
supervision and annual performance appraisals to ensure ongoing professional
development and the delivery of quality services.
10. Contribute to a high
standard of service provided by MIFSA by participating in relevant meetings,
delivering programs consistent with MIFSA’s strategic plan, policies and
procedures and participating in continuous quality improvement activities.
SKILLS,
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
1. A tertiary
qualification relevant to the health or mental health area.
2. Sound knowledge of
mental illnesses including impact on individuals, their carers and the
community. Experience may include “lived experience’, work experience and/or qualifications.
3. Demonstrated ability
to successfully interact with people living with mental illness and their
carers.
4. Ability to develop
beneficial agency partnerships, networks and effective working relationships.
5. High level of
self-management, communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
6. Ability to carry out
assessments and develop and facilitate respite plans.
7. Ability to work
autonomously and be flexible and adaptable in a dynamic setting within a team
environment.
8. Working knowledge of
Microsoft Computer Programs, email and internet.
9. Current SA Drivers
License and willingness to use own vehicle.
10. Current Senior First
Aid Certificate and Child-Safe Environments (Mandatory Notification)
accreditation (or willingness to undertake).
11. Understanding of organisational
operations and workplace practices, eg: Equal Opportunity and OHS&W.