Family Support Practitioner - North

Join an Organisation dedicated to Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health

To perform this role it is essential that the incumbent is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

About Us?

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd was established by its founding members to provide a coordinated/integrated approach to the planning, development and delivery of comprehensive primary health care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations within the Southeast Qld Region.

IUIH’s Birthing and Early Childhood Services (BECS) aim to support women, infants and families, from preconception and early pregnancy through to early childhood (up to three years of age), to enhance family functioning and promote childhood development and parental wellbeing. Within BECS is the Birthing in Our Community (BiOC) service, the Australian Nurse Family Partnership Program (ANFPP), and the Deadly Fit Mums exercise program. The BiOC program was developed and implemented under First Nations leadership, the service provides women with access to a known midwife and a family support worker throughout their pregnancy, birth and up until baby is three years of age.  The service is supported by an Indigenous workforce strategy and is based out of a culturally-safe and welcoming Aboriginal Community Controlled community-based hub.

About the Role?

Integrated within a family services model grounded within a culturally intrinsic parenting model which supports connection, belonging and cultural growth.

The purpose of this position is to provide social and emotional support and health education to women and family members throughout the woman’s pregnancy and up to three years following the birth. Also, to work effectively with other social and health practitioners to identify and access appropriate services and supports to meet their family’s needs.

Your day to day duties include:

• Create a pathway for culturally respectful engagement between women, midwives, and other service providers.
• Use contemporary best practice behaviour change and relapse prevention models including Motivational Interviewing to increase ability, confidence, and readiness for change.
• Supporting women with developing routines, reinforcing healthy parenting strategies, encouraging early learning activities.
• Identify risk that can impact on mother’s wellbeing, including but not limited to mental health, housing stability, domestic violence, child safety concerns, etc. 
• Provide support for pregnant women and their families to quit smoking and to remain quit through actively promoting and referring to the Stop Smoking in Its Tracks program.
• Support mothers with the logistical challenges of attending appointments through ensuring transport needs are met, and education is provided regarding the purpose and importance of attending the appointment.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with team members and relevant services, specifically with your assigned midwife

About You?

• Current C Class Drivers Licence (QLD)
• Current Criminal History Check
• Current Working with Children’s Check (QLD Blue Card)
• Current First Aid certificate

Desirable, but not mandatory:

• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and /or communities

What Can we Offer?

At IUIH we recognise that we operate in a diverse community and welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees, and people with disability.

• At IUIH ‘Our Collectivity is Our Strength’.
• We are a diverse and inclusive workplace that invites applications from all people.
• Be part of Australia’s largest community controlled Aboriginal Health Service.
• Access to “Growing Our Own Opportunities” through in-house training and programs.
• Weekly Staff Wellness activities and all staff ‘Gather and Grow’ yarns and award ceremonies.
• Opportunities to attend community events such as NAIDOC, Rugby League Carnivals and more.
• Onsite Presto’s Café at our Windsor Office providing a range of hot and cold beverages and healthy breakfast and lunch options.