Research and Policy Officer - National Indigenous Critical Response Service - [Archived Advertisement]

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research and Policy Officer to join our National Indigenous Critical Response Service (NICRS). The position will be located in our administrative office in Collingwood, Victoria and will provide advice to the Chief Executive and service delivery team (initially operating in Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia (throughout 2017)). In 2018, the service will be expanded to Queensland and Victoria, and in 2019 to New South Wales, Tasmania and the ACT.

Our Mission

To respond and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been affected by a suicide or other trauma. The service will deliver two streams of service and support:

• Stream 1: Critical response services: which will enhance the local response to suicide events, trauma or circumstances that could trigger suicide and other traumatic events through the provision of practical support to individuals, families and communities in culturally sensitive and timely ways where existing services may not be providing an adequate response, and
• Stream 2: Strengthening community capacity: which will develop and trial a model that promotes better service system coordination and responsiveness, and promotes community capacity and resilience amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities affected by suicide related incidents and/or other highly traumatic critical incidents. Other activities of Stream 2 may also include identification of appropriate training and resource needs.

This role

The Research and Policy Officer will support the NICRS progress a number of key outcomes and deliverables by undertaking a range of research activities including reviewing government policy directions, identifying good and promising practice principles in the literature, analysing trends in suicide and program data, supporting consultation processes with stakeholders, and supporting quality improvement initiatives and evaluation activities. It is important the applicant has a sound knowledge of national and state policies, literature regarding suicide postvention, trauma informed practice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of healing and social and emotional wellbeing, building community resilience, community development and capacity building.

We are looking to recruit someone under the Social Community Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, Levels 5 to 6. An attractive salary will be negotiated based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

Selection criteria

The incumbent should hold relevant qualifications and / or experience as a Research and/or Policy Officer, and a genuine interest in strengthening the health wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities and be able to demonstrate:

Mandatory qualifications

• Personal skills areas and aptitudes

–   a good understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing

–   strong communication and interpersonal skills including well-developed listening skills and intuition

–   a genuine commitment to act in accordance with organisational values

• Technical skills

–   experience and understanding of research methods

–   critical thinking and analytical skills such as decision making and reasoning as it relates to the research projects

–   able to analyse, synthesise and present information at the appropriate level for various stakeholder groups

–   able to communicate and articulate research findings to a range of audiences

–   ability to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships across the organisation.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

Desired criteria and qualifications

• undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Aboriginal studies, community development, health promotion, or public health
• research experience in the form of an Honour's Degree, or experience with social research desirable.

To apply

If you would like further information about the role, or to request for a copy of the application kit please phone Emma Fehring on 03 9998 1950 or email emma.f@thirrili.com.au

All applications must include a covering letter, address all the selection criteria stipulated, and a copy of your most recent resume.

Applications close

All applications addressing the criteria for the position need to be sent to the Project Manager, Catherine.e@thirrili.com.au by no later than midnight Sunday 30 April 2017.