JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(NON-MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:
Aboriginal Maternal
Infant Care Worker
Adelaide Health Service
Classification: ASO4
Health Unit: SPH ATSI Health Team
Division: Primary Health Care
Classification Reviewed:
Department / Section: SPH ATSI Unit
Position No: NHO522
Position Created: 2007
Job and Person Specification Approval
_________________________________________
CEO or Delegate
_____/_____/_____
Date
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. PREAMBLE
Southern Primary Health focuses on providing preventative and health promoting programs in the
community. Southern Primary Health has sites at Aldinga (Aldinga GP Plus), Clovelly Park
(Inner Southern), Morphett Vale, Seaford and Noarlunga, in addition to a women’s health service
(southern women’s at Noarlunga) a regional Aboriginal Health Team (based at Noarlunga and
Clovelly Park) and a youth health service (Marion Youth Centre).
2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Aboriginal Maternal Infant Care Worker is responsible for contributing to the provision of a
culturally appropriate antenatal, birthing and post-natal service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander women. Using a primary health care approach, the Aboriginal Maternal Care Worker will
work to reduce barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families in
relation to antenatal, birthing and postnatal services
3. REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Aboriginal Maternal Care Worker will report to the Team Leader, Southern Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Unit. The Worker works closely with Southern Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Primary Health Care workers, and relevant non-ATSI workers within
SAHS, and attends relevant meetings.
D:\116105358.doc
age 1 of 5
4. SPECIAL CONDITIONS (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent
overtime, etc)








Job and Person Specifications are reviewed regularly as part of the ongoing Performance
Development process.
May be required to work within other locations of the Adelaide Health Service.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Support values consistent with the aims of the Region, including honesty, respect and
integrity.
May be required to undertake a health assessment prior to commencement.
Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Offender History Check.
A current Driver’s Licence and the willingness to drive are essential.
Comply with the Principles of the Code of Fair Information Practice, adopted by the
Department of Health, which regulate the collection, use, disclosure, storage and transfer
of all personal patient/client information within the Department and throughout its funded
service providers.
5. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES
(group in to
major areas of responsibility / activity and list in descending order of importance).
Contribute to the program working towards improving maternal and infant outcomes for
Aboriginal women and communities by:








Identifying the health needs and priorities antenatal, birthing, and post natal services by
formulating, initiating and maintaining Health Service strategies for this purpose.
Planning, developing and implementing appropriate strategies which address the
identified health needs and promotes choice with the provision of a range of assistance to
support Aboriginal women in the maternal infant care program.
Supporting clients with information and assisting clients to link into specific services
provided by the Southern Primary Health Care team and other services and/or agencies.
Assist in the provision of client and family consultation, assessment, support, counselling,
referral and follow-up about a range of health issues and clinical screening services
Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of antenatal and postnatal health
promotion materials and activities.
Assist with delivery of health education and other health promotion programs appropriate
to the needs of the clients
Assisting in conducting preventative programs which are designed to enhance client and
community knowledge and skills.
Providing a high standard of service coordination and support to participating Aboriginal
women
Contribute to working in partnership with the Aboriginal women to assist them to be able
to make changes which they believe will have a positive impact on their health and
enhance lifestyle options by:




Identifying the health needs and priorities, establish effective communication links
Flinders Medical Centre and community health staff.
participating in the development, implementation and review of agreed standards
models of community development practice.
Liaise with midwives to offer maternity support that are culturally respectful
responsive to needs.
establishing and sustain linkages between relevant agencies and service providers
provide effective levels of support
D:\116105358.doc
with
and
and
and
age 2 of 5

liaising with “Linking with the Pregnancy to Parenting Team and Early Childhood” teams
across the region.
Contribute to the development and implementation of best practice in performance and
service delivery by:









participating in the development, implementation and review of agreed standards and
models of community development practice.
Entering accurate client data on the Community Health Information system.
Maintaining accurate and legible client records for all client interactions.
maximising the effectiveness of programs by ensuring program review procedures
and their recommendations are carried out.
contributing to documented findings on community groups and social issues through
implementing appropriate data collection, research and evaluation procedures.
participating in relevant staff development programs
establish effective evaluation mechanisms towards continuous quality improvement
and appropriate accountability mechanisms to monitor the programs effectiveness
standards of quality and achievement outcomes.
Contribute to the development of Aboriginal cultural proficiency across all SA Health
practice and service delivery.
disseminating information on innovative and other community development activities
by the preparation and dissemination of reports for management.
Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment, free from discrimination and
harassment by working in accordance with legislative requirements, the Code of
Conduct and departmental human resource policies, including the OHS&W
requirements.
Acknowledged by Occupant:______________________________ Date:_____/_____/_____
D:\116105358.doc
age 3 of 5
PERSON SPECIFICATION
1.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
Certificate in Aboriginal Primary Health Care or other related field (or studying towards)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills










Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally sensitive and accountable manner with
Aboriginal individuals, families and communities
Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with Aboriginal people, nonAboriginal people, health workers and other organisations.
Skills in developing and implementing support groups, including disseminating relevant
information.
Demonstrated ability to work under limited directions both independently and part of a
multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to a high level of community service and ongoing
service improvement.
Demonstrate a broad range of intervention skills including advocacy, community
development and social action practice skills.
Flexible work practises that allow for good team work
Possess confidence, assertiveness, tact and self motivation.
Ability to exercise initiative and judgement.
Proven commitment to the principles and practice of:
o EEO, Ethical Conduct, diversity and OHS&W
o Quality management and client oriented service:
o Risk management.
Experience




Experience in working in a community health and multidisciplinary setting
Experience in Aboriginal identity and culture
Experience in working closely with Aboriginal and mainstream service providers
Experience in basic computing skills, including email and word processing
Knowledge






Knowledge and understanding of health and social issues relating to Aboriginal people.
Commitment to primary health care principles and their application in the Aboriginal
community.
Knowledge of the factors, which adversely affects Aboriginal health outcomes.
Sound knowledge of the major activity performed within the work environment.
Understanding of Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare principles and procedures.
Understanding of Quality Management principles and procedures.
D:\116105358.doc
age 4 of 5
2. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
(to distinguish between applicants who meet all essential
requirements)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills



Ability to commit to achieving satisfactory completion of an approved course of further study.
Ability to develop support plans for an individual and their family
Ability to develop case management plans.
Experience


Experience in working with Aboriginal individuals and their families
Proven experience in basic computing skills, including email and word processing
Knowledge

A working knowledge of relevant community agencies and network.
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
(considered useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the
position)
Other details
D:\116105358.doc
age 5 of 5