AMC Group Facilitator

About Us :

Toora Women Inc is a not-for-profit organisation which has been delivering gender specific services to women in the ACT and surrounds since 1982. Our mission is to be the leading organisation in the ACT providing safe, respectful support for all women who are impacted by domestic and family violence, homelessness, the criminal justice system and/or alcohol and drug dependency.

About You :

• Bachelor level qualification in relevant fields Social Work, Social Science, Health or Psychology; or diploma in relevant field (eg. Community Services, AOD or Mental Health)
• Certificate IV in Training & Assessment 
• Certificate IV AOD (or willingness to complete)

Position Summary :

The Day Program Group Facilitator will assist in the facilitation of psycho-educational groups and the daily client activity schedule. The AOD Day program is an 8 week, rolling group and is designed to allow women to work together, in a safe and respectful environment, to learn from each other and explore their personal issues that contributed to their use of alcohol and drugs. The facilitator position requires experience in providing or participating in group therapy, high level communication and people skills, strong teamwork ethos and sound judgment and flexibility. They will work alongside other specialist staff and lead group-based interventions. They will maintain the standards of clinical rigour expected in the management of each client. 

The key purpose of the role is the implementation and review of an evidenced based program intended to: 

• Provide behaviour changing interventions to assist individuals to reduce or cease harmful alcohol and other drug use, and to avoid and better manage relapse 
• Assist participants to establish healthier relationships and lifestyles free of problematic alcohol and drug use

Key Requirements :

• Minimum 3+ years’ sector experience (with Bachelor Qualification) or
• Minimum 5+ years’ relevant sector experience (with Diploma Qualification)
• Comprehensive understanding of alcohol and other drug use and an understanding of community-based rehabilitation or day programs 
• Specialist knowledge in working with complex women in one or more additional areas such as Family Therapy, Mental Health, Domestic/Family Violence, Trauma, with demonstrated experience delivering quality outcomes for clients 
• Advanced group work skills including program development, facilitation and evaluation

Desirable Experience

• Ability to provide expert advice on matters of complexity within the work and/or specialized area, as required.
• Ability to mentor individuals with well-developed interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to show initiative and capacity to work independently and to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organisational and highly developed interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) with a consultative approach to addressing issues and adapting to meet changing organisational needs. 
• Proficient computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office and relevant case management databases.
• Personal qualities and behavioural traits
• Communicate with influence in a positive, proactive, constructive responsible and respectful manner to inspire and empower others.
• Communicate showing an awareness the impact of communication style on the receiver, adapting personal style to audience.
• Be committed to our Mission: Safety, Respect and Choice for Women.
• Be flexible and responsive to the changing environments 
• Be committed to providing quality programs and excellent services and support that represent leadership and innovation

Women only applicants please as per section s 34(1) of the Discrimination Act 1991. Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and CARM women are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibility :

PRACTICE FRAMEWORK:

Toora Women Inc supports women with complex issues who have experienced past or present traumas such as:

• the impact of their own or another’s drug and alcohol use 
• domestic, family and sexual violence 
• mental health issues 
• homelessness or needing support to stay out of the homelessness system 
• the ACT corrections system. 

Our current drug and alcohol and homelessness programs range across variety of settings such as crisis and transitional accommodation, day programs and outreach support, allowing Toora to provide a wrap-around trauma informed care model, in an integrated service system. We deliver these complex services within human rights and feminist framework. 

All services are based on a theoretical model of recovery, respect and empowerment. This includes encouraging self-help and minimizing the effects of institutionalization and the harm associated with dependencies.

Toora Women Inc. is committed to employing women whose life experience and skills match that of the target groups of our services.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF….

Daily you will be part of a multidisciplinary team, meeting each morning to evaluate the needs of clients and organise the focus of service delivery for that day. You will be responsible for the facilitation of the AOD Day Program, alongside another facilitator, where you will deliver the content of two pre-planned modules. You will draw on your professional knowledge to assist clients to engage in the group process and explore their thoughts and feelings about each topic, assisting them in the growth of their personal knowledge and self-awareness. On return to the office, you will reflect on the program delivery, with your co-facilitator and complete administration tasks, such as, completing client notes. You will then review ensure you are prepared for the delivery of the program on the following day.

For the rest of the week, your role may cover a variety of tasks including assisting with other relapse prevention and strengths-based group work. If required, you will also engage with women in case management sessions; developing client cantered treatment plans, assisting women through evidence-based practice to gain the skills to rebuild and live substance free lives. 

Planning external groups and engaging with other services to provide a holistic approach to treatment and best address the complex range of issues involved in substance misuse such as mental health, domestic and family violence and homelessness will be essential in this role.

DELIVERABLES

Strategic leadership

• Act in the position of Manager as required by Toora Executive Team
• Provide debriefing and line supervision to AOD staff as required by the Manager
• Control and coordinate projects within the AOD residential team, including process and procedure, service delivery models, evaluation and monitoring of evidence based methodology and frameworks.
• Support staff in the resolution of complex client concerns or presentation within the work area
• Contribute to the integrated and shared service arrangements to ensure a client centered model is adopted and produces enhanced outcomes for clients.

Program Development and Implementation

• Demonstrate proficiency in the group facilitation of evidence based Motivational Enhancement and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies. 
• Plan, implement and facilitate other treatment activities, action meetings and special activities as negotiated with the Team Leader and/or Clinical Director. 
• Use best practice principles in all clinical work such as Relapse Prevention, Family Inclusive Practice, Dual Diagnosis Principles, Trauma Informed Practice, etc. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of program modules (developmental and life skills groups and activities) ensuring activities are planned in advance and signed off by Clinical Director.
• Facilitate information and brief intervention drop in sessions for clients expressing interest in attending the Toora Women Inc. programs. 
• Undertake case management using evidence-based practice, following guidelines and statutory requirements.
• Maintain a designated caseload. 
• Participate in treatment team reviews, case reviews and other relevant meetings ensuring information and outcomes are current and accurate and that all client records are up to date and maintained. 
• Support the work of the Manager through regular reports on client progress, identifying possible areas of concern to the Case Coordinator as and when they arise. 
• Maintain records that meet professional & legal requirements 
• Measure and record women’s progress through treatment. 
• Provide expert advice on matters of complexity within the work and/or specialised area, as required.
• Supervise/manage the operation of a work area, and monitor work outcomes within budgetary constraints, as required.
• Control and co-ordinate larger projects, as required.

Administration

• Create and maintain timetables for Day Program activities.
• Provide assistance to the Manager with data collection.
• Provide input and participate in review of service policies and procedures. 
• Participate in the development and implementation of QA activities to maintain accreditations
• Understand all areas of computer operations to meet the needs of the job
• Provide reports on progress of activities and programs including recommendations and improvements, as required
• Establish programs and procedures including planning and coordination, as required
• Undertake a minor phase of a broader or more complex professional assignment, where required.

Teamwork, Networking and Liaison

• Assist clients with complex needs by liaising with other treatment, community and government services to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes.  
• Represent Toora Women Inc. in a professional manner on external committees or working parties as required.
• Participate in internal meetings (including Advisory), as required.
• Maintain effective, positive relationships with all relevant stakeholders and facilitate referrals to other services as indicated 
• Participate in ‘housekeeping’ activities that support the day to day operation of the program.

Professional Practice, Professional development and performance management

• Model appropriate behaviour when interacting with clients.
• Train and mentor AOD workers co-facilitating group programs
• Commit to ongoing professional development through participation in training programs and external activities as appropriate. 
• Assist in the establishment of inter-agency relationships including, if necessary, the development of formal protocols, ensuring that written protocols are contained in program manuals.
• Provide training to mainstream and other community services on women’s AOD issues, as required.
• Contribute to the development of new procedures and methodology
• Engage in professional development activities
• Attend clinical supervision and reflective practice
• Participate in performance management/appraisal activities as determined by the organisation.

Work Health Safety / Quality Improvement Systems

• Adhere to Toora Women Inc. WHS policies and procedures including self-care policy.
• Take reasonable care to protect their own health and safety at work and meet all obligations under the WHS Act 2011
• Work in accordance to relevant sector standards and participate in Toora Quality Improvement Systems including auditing, surveys and needs analysis.
• Provide reports on progress of activities and programs including recommendations and improvements

General Accountabilities

Undertake other duties, as directed 

Conditions of employment

• The duties of this position may be adapted to changing organisational requirements as determined by the service planning processes. Any change to the job description will not occur without consultation.
• Out of hours work may be required.
• Must possess a current driver’s licence and be willing to drive.
• Must possess a Working with Vulnerable People registration
• Required to work from any location, within integrated Toora Inc. service system.
• Work collaboratively within Toora Women Inc. service system.
• Must adhere to the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Adhere to the Toora Women Inc WHS policy and related procedures and take reasonable care to protect your own health and safety at work and meet all obligations under the WHS Act 2011
• Participate in Toora Quality Improvement Systems including auditing, surveys and needs analysis
• Understand and adhere to all Toora policies and procedures.

Job Functions :

Community development

Job Benefits :

Autonomous role

Excellent salary and benefits

Selling Point :

Make a difference supporting women

Contact :

Shannon Jones