A unique opportunity to develop, lead and coordinate the provision of a holistic support program at Central Queensland’s first hospice.
- Make a difference championing holistic palliative care support
- Work in a new purpose-built and home-like community facility
- A background in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling and/or Nursing is required
About Us
Fitzroy Community Hospice (FCH) is a community-driven, not-for-profit charitable organisation established in direct response to the need for greater access to community-based palliative care in Central Queensland. Governed by a Board of Directors, FCH has grown in 3 years from an “idea” to a home-like 12-bed hospice facility. As an alternative to hospital or home-based palliative care, FCH provides the full spectrum of subacute palliative care, including short term symptom management, transitional care between hospital and home, and care in the last weeks and days of life. It is envisaged that an integrated model of care with Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service will improve patient and family experiences at the end of life.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops and coordinates a comprehensive program of support for FCH patients, families, and carers that comprises both internal and community resources;
- Contributes to the holistic multidisciplinary assessment and care planning of FCH patients;
- Provides psychosocial and practical support for FCH patients, families, and carers;
- Effectively and safely delegates aspects of support to others according to their role and competence;
- Develops and maintains a referral database of community-based support services, including linkages with faith-based and cultural community groups;
- Develops and coordinates a bereavement support program;
- Provides brief-intervention grief and bereavement counselling;
- Delivers psychosocial training and develops and/or collates self-care resources for FCH staff and volunteers;
- Contributes to the development and review of policies and procedures related to support services;
- Coordinates volunteers involved in the provision of support services, with assistance;
- Provides clinical mentorship to students undertaking placement at FCH.
- Participates in quality improvement projects, audits, clinical reviews, and research when requested/required;
- Complies with the FCH Code of Conduct and all FCH Governance Documents as in force and amended from time to time, applicable to this position;
- Participates in an annual Performance and Professional Development Review;
- Undertakes any other duties or responsibilities as reasonably requested by the CEO-DCS or delegate.
Position Requirements:
Personal Competencies:
- Compassion: operates in an empathetic, non-judgemental, and fair manner respecting the diverse needs of the community;
- Excellence: demonstrates commitment to the personal and professional development of self and broader continuous quality improvement and best practice principles;
- Integrity: demonstrates sound ethics and trustworthiness;
- Effective communication: possesses the ability to engage, develop relationships, and effectively communicate with patients, families & carers, external stakeholders, other staff and volunteers;
- Discretion: handles sensitive and confidential information appropriately;
- Self–motivation: works independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating initiative when appropriate;
- Insight: sound professional judgement, escalating concerns and seeking assistance/support where required;
- Flexibility: a willingness and ability to respond to changing care requirements in a timely and collaborative way;
- Time-Management: ability to prioritise and manage competing tasks, delegating where appropriate and seeking assistance/support when necessary;
- Self-care: strong understanding of and commitment to self-care strategies.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Highly effective interpersonal skills, including consultation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management in dynamic environments;
- Experience providing psychosocial support and counselling in a palliative care, oncology or other health setting;
- Computer skills sufficient to effectively use an electronic patient medical record;
- Knowledge and ideally experience meeting National Palliative Care Standards - Standard 6: Grief Support;
- Experience coordinating volunteers is highly desirable.
Qualifications:
- Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Nursing (with additional counselling qualification), or similar, with relevant AHPRA registration or professional membership;
- Current Queensland Drivers’ License.
Other Requirements (prior to employment):
- Satisfactory National Police Check;
- Evidence of immunity to Vaccine Preventable Diseases.
Pay and Conditions
Permanent part time (initially 0.3 FTE)
Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience
Generous not-for-profit salary sacrificing entitlement
Training and development opportunities
Commencement from late February 2025
Application Process
Applications close 14th February 2025.
Apply Now as FCH reserves the right to offer shortlisted candidates an interview at any time and make an offer of employment prior to the close date, if appropriate.
To apply for the position please click the apply now button and upload your Resume and a Covering Letter (maximum 1 page) addressing the Key Duties & Responsibilities and Position Requirements.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Beth Thomas on 0409228792 or email BethT@fitzroyhospice.org.au