Position overview

The Renal Network

The Renal Network provides comprehensive care for patients with all stages of renal impairment across the ACT and Southern NSW. Services include inpatient and outpatient care such as acute haemodialysis, satellite and home dialysis, the Chronic Kidney Disease Program, Renal Supportive Care, renal transplantation, dialysis access, general nephrology, clinical trials, and human research. The team adopts a

The Renal Network works collaboratively with the Acute Allied Health Services and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service to assist in the multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach and is dedicated to delivering patient-centred care.

Aboriginal Health Workers

Aboriginal health workers are recognised as key roles in liaison services and developing trusted relationships between the services and communities. The role is typically a person with established connections that can be leveraged to support access to services and provide primary health care to individuals, families and communities. This involves care-coordination, education and referrals to other relevant supports.

This is an Identified position in accordance with Section 13(1) of the Public Sector Management Standards 1996 and is only open to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural identity is considered essential and therefore confirmation of cultural identity may be requested.

Canberra Health Services (CHS) has a strong commitment to the provision of holistic, person and family-centred care service, focusing on culturally safe, trauma-informed, and connected care to Aboriginal communities, families and individuals from the ACT and region. CHS is leading reform designed to improve the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in accordance with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan, and through the ACT Agreement develop Close the Gap initiatives and the CHS Together, Forward 2023-2025 report

The Aboriginal Health Worker – Renal (AHW) plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families, and communities throughout their renal health journey. This position ensures culturally responsive care and strengthens connections between patients, families, and essential health services. The AHW provides practical, social and wellbeing support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing services at Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital Claire Holland House and community health settings.

Cultural responsive and safety

The ACT Public Service (ACTPS) is committed to putting the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the center of care decisions and being guided by their unique and valuable lived experiences. This position has a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes and requires a demonstrated understanding of historical and contemporary cultural contexts, specifically regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. Collaborative leadership and cultural responsiveness is required through active engagement with community, Elders and Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Clinical Support:
Provide high level, culturally responsive clinical support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and use primary health care skills to elevate and assist the multidisciplinary renal team and allied health professionals in delivering culturally responsive care.

Health Promotion and Education:
Deliver culturally responsive education and support regarding chronic kidney disease, including pre-dialysis, dialysis, transplantation, and conservative management. Participate in quality improvement activities, including annual performance appraisal.

Patient, Family and Community Engagement:
Provide advice, support, and advocacy to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families Build trusted relationships by attending key events, forums and committees etc with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and service providers. Strengthen connections which facilitates access to health and social services through referrals and provide liaison support between patients, families, and care teams.

Program, Project and Policy Development:
Plan and develop in partnership with communities to design, deliver and evaluate quality improvement projects and programs that improve kidney health outcomes. Develop, gather and inform policy development to improve the outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Other Duties:
Undertake other responsibilities appropriate to this classification that contribute to the effective operation of the organisation.

Location

This position is based at Canberra Hospital but requires travel across multiple renal dialysis units and renal clinics within the ACT.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following.

• Cultural Knowledge and Community Links:
  Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, with established connections to local Aboriginal communities in the ACT and surrounding regions.
• Understanding of Key Issues:
  Demonstrates strong understanding of chronic kidney disease or chronic illness and how it impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Has experience providing social support, service linkage, group work, community education, advocacy, and health promotion within Aboriginal communities.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  Displays effective clinical communication using information technology, written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrates the ability to manage conflict situations by regulating emotional responses and interacting professionally and respectfully.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
  Assists in collaborating with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement in participation in programs and projects aligned with Closing the Gap strategies.
• Quality Improvement and Clinical Knowledge:
  Understands quality improvement principles and evidence-based practice, with recent clinical experience relevant to the position.
• Cultural Liaison and Leadership:
  Provides liaison support for individuals, families, and communities; fosters culturally safe workplaces; offers guidance to team members; and facilitates respectful, culturally safe access to services. Works both autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating strong oral and written communication skills and proficiency in computer systems.
• Organisational Skills and self-care management:
  Exhibits strong organisational skills and a strong work ethic. Ability to manage cultural and colonial loads and demonstrated ability in balancing competing priorities and community and operational needs.
• Adaptability and Flexibility:
  Demonstrates the ability to adapt to change and provide responsive services in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

Essential

• Holds or be willing to attain a Certificate III qualification in Aboriginal Primary Health Care or other equivalent qualification in a health-related field relevant to the role.
• Cultural knowledge and understanding of the ACT and surrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural dynamics and proven ability to navigate through these challenges.
• Current full provisional driver’s licence and willingness to use for work purposes.

Desirable

• Holds or be willing to attain Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care (Practice) and a current authority to practice as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Experience

Essential

• Identified Position:
  This is a designated position and only open to Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander People. Confirmation of Aboriginality maybe required before appointment to this position.
• Experience:
  Minimum of 3 years in a similar role, preferably within a health or community services setting.
• Clinical Knowledge:
  Demonstrated understanding of clinical terminology and healthcare environments.

Desirable

• Experience in working with clients with chronic kidney disease or Chronic Diseases.
• Knowledge and experience with digital health records.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Provide Confirmation of Aboriginality (may be required).

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• This position is a Monday to Friday Business Hours position and does not require employees to be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Clinical liaison and education

   Demonstrated ability to provide culturally responsive healthcare education and facilitate navigation and liaison services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a clinical and/or community setting.

2. Communication and Collaboration:

   Well-developed written and oral communication skills, with proven experience in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with consumers, carers, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes.

3. Problem-Solving in Complex Systems:

   Demonstrated ability to navigate and overcome barriers within complex health institutions and organisations.

4. Program, Project and Policy Development and Evaluation:

   Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, review, and evaluation of culturally responsive health policies, educational programs, and initiatives with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

5. Safety, Quality, and Values Alignment:

Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety requirements, and commitment to delivering a positive patient experience. Displays behaviours consistent with Canberra Health Services’ values of Reliable, Progressive, Respectful, and Kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.