Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council (KAMSC)
JOB DESCRIPTION FORM
POSITION IDENTIFICATION
Effective date of
document
April 2011
Award
HPSS 2010
Award Type:
Title: KRS Social Worker – East Kimberley
Position No.
Responsible to: Kimberley Renal Support Services Manager
Key Responsibilities
1. Develop and provide an effective and efficient Social Work service to meet the needs of
renal patients, their families and significant others across the East Kimberley.
2. Participate in a multidisciplinary approach to care
3. Contribute to the ongoing development of regional renal services.
Job Description – KRS Social Worker EK April 2011
1
Duty Statement
1. Develop and provide an effective and efficient Social Work service to meet the needs of renal
patients, their families and significant others across the West Kimberley.

Establish a renal social work model that utilises ALO’s in a multidisciplinary team environment that
provides support for renal clients across the East Kimberley region that will:
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Systematically work in with the KRS Social Worker West Kimberley.
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Assist clients to access appropriate income, accommodation, social support, travel including PATS
travel and other support services.
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Minimize the impact of relocation for treatment to and from the rural and metropolitan area on clients,
their family and community.
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Secure appropriate accommodation, income, family contact and social support.
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Working with Palliative Care Services support clients needing palliative care and provide support to
their families
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Work within a multidisciplinary team environment and network with other community services
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Support the renal clients at local hostel to engage with HACC services, recreational services and assist
with family contacts.
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Identify systemic barriers and act as an advocate for renal clients and their families and develop
recommendations on how such barriers might be addressed.

Develop, manage and provide support for the renal ALO positions of the East Kimberley adapting the
role as needed as the Kimberley Renal Service develops.
2. Participate in a multidisciplinary approach to care

Participate in and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings that involve renal clients; renal,
palliative care and hospital meetings.
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Work closely with the KRS Social Worker and ALO’s West Kimberley
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Participate in the hospital discharge planning process for renal clients.
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Visit areas throughout the East Kimberley utilizing current transport options where available
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Disseminate and document information of life circumstances and social support needs of clients with
renal disease to renal services staff, visiting Renal Physician, Royal Perth Hospital Social Worker and
ALO, Dept of Community Development and Dept of Housing, WACHS and other agencies as appropriate.

Develop networks between PHC providers and other agencies to enhance their knowledge and
understanding of the issues facing renal clients and to improve the social circumstances of renal
clients.
Develop social work skills among PHC staff across the East Kimberley region.
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Ensure patients receive a culturally appropriate service by liaison with Renal ALO’s, Hospital
ALO’s, Aboriginal Health Workers, interpreter services and a commitment to further learning of
cultural education and communication.
3. Contribute to the ongoing development of regional renal services.

Participate in relevant committees; attend meetings including adherence and contribution to the
development of renal policy and procedures within the region.

Provide briefings to renal services staff, KAMSC and the Regional Aboriginal Health Planning Forum as
required.

Ensure that a high quality service is achieved and professional clinical skills maintained and
developed by participating in clinical supervision, under graduate supervision, performance
development plan and appraisals and attending relevant continuing education.
Job Description – KRS Social Worker EK April 2011
2
Selection Criteria
Essential:
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Degree in Social Work or equivalent which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian
Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Demonstrated ability to participate effectively in Social Work service delivery as a member of a
multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.
Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of theories and frameworks of the impact of trauma,
crisis, illness, adjustment, loss and grief, conflict resolution, including knowledge of Social Work
ethics.
Experience in working with clients from various cultural backgrounds
Proven knowledge of cultural and cross-cultural issues affecting people accessing services and
the ability to utilise these in working with clients and their families.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people and to practice in a
culturally safe manner using a non-judgmental approach.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication, time
management and organisational skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement, Occupational Safety and Health
and a commitment to continuing professional education of self and others.
Computer literacy and keyboard skills
Current A class driver’s licence.
Desirable:
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Experience in working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
Knowledge of local community and Aboriginal culture.
Current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.
CERTIFICATION
The details contained in this document are an accurate statement of the duties, responsibilities and
other requirements of the position.
Name:
Johanna Cowdrey
Position: Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Signed:
____________________________________________
Date: _____/_____/_____
As occupant of the position I have noted the statement of duties, responsibilities and other
requirements as detailed in this document.
NAME
DATE APPOINTED
TO POSITION
Job Description – KRS Social Worker EK April 2011
SIGNATURE
DATE
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OTHER INFORMATION
KAMSC (Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council) is a regional Aboriginal Community Controlled
Health Service (ACCHS) which provides a collective voice for a network of member ACCHS from towns
and remote communities across the spectacular Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Our major role is in advocacy and support for our ACCHS members. In addition, KAMSC provides direct
clinical services in the remote communities of Balgo, Billiluna, Mulan, Beagle Bay and Bidyadanga. Our
five independently incorporated member ACCHS include: the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service
(OVAHS) in Kununurra; Derby Aboriginal Health Service (DAHS) in Derby; Yura Yungi Medical Service
(YYMS) in Halls Creek; Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (BRAMS) in Broome; and Palyalatju
Maparnpa Health Committee (PMHC) in the Kutjungka. KAMSC is also responsible for the development
and management of Renal Services for the Kimberley, including 3 dialysis units and support and
coordination of care for those in early to advanced stages of kidney disease.
The KAMSC regional collective of ACCHS is a major employer in the Kimberley, with Aboriginal people
representing more than 70% of its 300+ strong workforce. KAMSC's regional support includes:
Population Health
Social and Emotional Well Being
Health Promotion
Information Technology
Pharmacy Support and Training
Corporate and Financial Services
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Accredited Aboriginal Primary Health Care
Training and Education
Research
Regional Renal Services
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical
Tra ning
Kimberley Renal Services
All specialised renal services in the Kimberley operate under the umbrella of the Kimberley Aboriginal
Medical Services Council, and are currently undergoing rapid expansion with funding from both
Commonwealth and state governments for new dialysis units in Derby and Kununurra to supplement the 40person Kimberley Satellite Dialysis Centre (KSDC) hub already well-established in Broome.
Further, funding to KAMSC from the WA state government has allowed implementation of a comprehensive
Kimberley Renal Support Service (KRSS) to enhance regional efforts in prevention, early detection and better
management of chronic kidney disease; provide timely pre-dialysis education and preparation; enhance
training and support for patients on home dialysis options; and create a skilled, robust and culturally safe
regional renal workforce to ensure that Kimberley people with kidney disease have access to the best of
care, as close to home as possible.
These comprehensive renal services are provided in partnership with the visiting nephrologist from RPH;
Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) who provide state-wide home therapies services; WA Country Health
Services (WACHS); and local health service providers.
The model developed in the Kimberley is an innovative one which brings together primary, secondary and
tertiary services in a culturally safe framework which aims to provide patients, families and communities
with the best possible services, whilst building regional workforce capacity and providing diverse career
paths for local Aboriginal people.
Website: www.kamsc.org.au
Job Description – KRS Social Worker EK April 2011
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