Author Archives: James

Jobs: Counselling, AOD Clinicians – Victoria

In partnership with a range of complementary local health and welfare services, ReGen and Odyssey House Victoria will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of a significant number of community based, AOD treatment services across the northern and western metropolitan areas of Melbourne from September, 2014. This region is characterised by rapid growth and diverse community needs, and includes three out of the four growth corridor catchments within Victoria.

Using a joint clinical model and governance structure, our partnership will provide a wide range of treatment services to support holistic and integrated care for individuals and families affected by Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) use.

ReGen and Odyssey House are currently seeking suitably experienced and qualified people for a number of full-time and part-time positions across a range of locations in the north and west areas of Melbourne.

We have multiple opportunities for the following roles;

  • Clinical Consultants
  • Triage Clinicians
  • Counselling Coordinators
  • AOD Counselling/Assessment Clinicians
  • Care and Recovery Clinicians and Support Workers
  • Non-Residential Withdrawal Nurses and Support Workers

Opportunities in several locations including Coburg, Thomastown, Broadmeadows and Werribee are available.  Successful candidates will, however, be required to work in other locations within the region as required.

For more information on these exciting new opportunities in the AOD sector, including position descriptions and how to apply, please visit the ReGen and Odyssey websites at www.regen.org.au and www.odyssey.org.au

If applying for more than one role, please submit only one application and indicate which roles you wish to be considered for, as well as any preferences you have for particular locations, employing organisation, or days/hours so that these can be taken into consideration.

Your application should include a cover letter, a statement addressing the selection criteria as contained in the position description, your preferences, and your CV.

Applications close 4pm Tuesday 24 June 2014.

Jobs: Hepatitis NSW

Hepatitis NSW is looking to fill two new positions.

Magazine Editor

The job is part time (3 days per week) and is for 1 year (renewable depending on funding).

Please check out the job pack here>>

Project Officer – Going Viral

The job is part time (3 days per week) and is for 2 years (renewable depending on funding).

Please check out the job pack here>>

The closing date for both of these positions is Monday, 30 June.

Please click on the above links for full details about each position, and how to apply.

The National CREMS Conference – Register

From the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use:

The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use (CREMS) is pleased to announce their 2nd  National Conference!

‘Substance use and mental health concerns in young people: Sharing online and interactive resources’

Based on last’s years huge success, the NHMRC CREMS is delighted to invite you to attend the second National CREMS Conference! This conference will be taking place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 26th August, held in conjunction with The Mental Health Services Conference. It will feature an exciting full-day program with an update on latest research and will showcase the innovative evidence-based resources developed for the prevention and treatment of comorbid mental health and substance use conditions in young people.

For more information please see the flyer attached and also visit the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use.

Registration is now available online at http://www.themhs.org/pages/registrations2014.html

We look forward to seeing you there! Please distribute this information through your networks and to others who would be interested.

 

Kind regards,

 

Dr Emma Barrett (University of NSW) and Dr Erica Crome (Macquarie University)

Conference Convenors

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders call for scrapping of co-payments

Joint Press Release – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders call for scrapping of co-payments

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Leaders from across Australia met in Canberra today for crisis talks regarding the implications of the Commonwealth Budget.

“The Aboriginal community sector will not agree to turn our backs on the most disadvantaged and disempowered,” said Julie Tongs, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service.

“A coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations calls on the Australian Government to recognise that a co-payment is against the principles of health equity outlined in the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes.

“The suggested co-payments run counter to the findings of the World Health Organisation’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health. Australia’s health policies and funding should reflect those findings.

“Introducing co-payments will not serve to close the gap in health outcomes; it will only widen the gap between our people and the rest of the community,’ said Ms Tongs.

We reject the introduction of co-payments because they will increase inequality.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people already experience considerable health disadvantage
  • for every dollar spent on non-Indigenous Australians now, only 60 cents is spent on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • international evidence confirms the most efficient way to contain health care costs is a robust universal primary health care system
  • the sustainability of Australia’s robust not for profit health sector, which currently supports the most vulnerable in our community, is threatened by this move.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services:

  • are the regular source of care for persons without social capital
  • are an embodiment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination
  • represent a sound investment in not only health outcomes, but economic participation, employment and education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; the health industry is the single largest employer of Indigenous Australians.

“We are calling for an immediate scrapping of the MBS and PBS co-payments scheme.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health sector will not agree to turn our backs on the needy, disadvantaged and desperate.

“We welcome the opportunity to have further constructive conversations with government. We call on our partners, colleagues and all concerned Australians to stand with us at this critical time,” concluded Ms Tongs.

The following agencies were represented at today’s meeting:

VACCHO, AMSANT, Lowitja Institute, NACCHO, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service, NATSIHWA, AIDA, National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, QAIHC and AHCSA. Also in attendance Public Health Association of Australia.

Key health bodies slam National Commission of Audit recommendations

MEDIA RELEASE: Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, Australian Health Promotion Association, Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education and Public Health Association of Australia

 

Key health bodies slam National Commission of Audit recommendations

 

Five key health organisations have written to the Prime Minister to express deep concern in relation to the reports and recommendations of the National Commission of Audit, which advocate cuts to government spending in areas of critical importance to Australians.  In particular, the groups believe the absence of a national approach in key areas such as preventive health and communicable disease will jeopardise people’s health and put greater pressures on the health system.

Signatories to the letter include the: Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, Australian Health Promotion Association, Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education and Public Health Association of Australia.

“Among the Commission’s recommendations are calls for the dismantling of multiple agencies – including the National Preventive Health Agency – and the surrender back to the states of key areas of responsibility in education, health and other services.  From our perspective, such changes would represent an abrogation of responsibility by the Australian Government that is entrusted to progress national priorities for the nation’s health and wellbeing,” said Michael Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Health Association of Australia.

“A compulsory $15 co-payment for GP visits is one way of providing extra funding for health care, but it is one of the least effective, targeted bizarrely at those who are sick.  Strong primary health care is internationally recognised as the cornerstone of an effective and lower cost health system.  Discouraging low-income people – who we know have the worst health status on average – from attending their local GP or emergency department when there are the early signs of sickness is counter-productive, cruel if they are in pain, and ultimately foolhardy.  Untreated diseases get worse and more expensive to cure,” said Tony McBride, Chair of the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance.

“The Australian Government Department of Health manages key national strategies in relation to communicable diseases, immunisation, mental health, alcohol and other drugs and Closing the Gap in health outcomes for Indigenous Australians, just to name a few.  The health portfolio takes into account the broader interests of all Australians.  Responses to outbreaks of communicable diseases and other public health emergencies, for instance, clearly need to be coordinated at the national level,” said Gemma Crawford, President of the Australian Health Promotion Association.

“The protection and improvement of health outcomes for all Australians are vital national government functions.  They can’t effectively be divested to the states and territories or privatised.  These are fundamentally Commonwealth responsibilities that require coordination and leadership at the national level.  To suggest that we don’t need a national focus on key issues is a dangerous nonsense,” said Mr Moore.

“We also oppose the introduction of mandatory $15 co-payments for every Medicare service, and increased co-payments for PBS medications.  Our commitment is to equitable and universal access to health care for all Australians.  Measures that would create a two-tiered health system for the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ are simply un-Australian.  Australians fundamentally believe in a level playing field and a fair go for all.  Our tax dollars should be used accordingly.  We trust that the Government will review and reject the majority of the Commission’s recommendations with these considerations in mind,” said Adam Stankevicius, the Chief Executive Officer of the Consumers Health Forum.

 

 

 

ReGen urges caution on disulfiram implants

ReGen urges caution on disulfiram implants

Melbourne, VIC, 5th May 2014 – UnitingCare ReGen, the lead alcohol and other drug treatment and education agency of UnitingCare Victoria & Tasmania, today urged members of the public to exercise caution over the potential use of disulfiram (known under the brand name ‘Antabuse’) implants to overcome dependent or other problematic patterns of alcohol consumption.

In responding to a feature article on one man’s decision to receive an implant to help him change an established pattern of heavy, episodic drinking (The Age, Desperate measures to beat the bottle, 02/05/14), Donna Ribton-Turner (ReGen’s Director of Clinical Services) said:

We all know the impacts that problematic alcohol consumption can have on the lives of individuals, families and the wider community. As we saw highlighted in the article, alcohol and other drug use can have a devastating impact on people’s physical and mental health, relationships and financial security.

Mr Byrnes’ case also emphasises how desperate those affected can be to find a solution. Sometimes that desperation can lead to choosing treatment options that offer a ‘last hope’. For some people, this is disulfiram. We know that it can play a successful role in supporting the establishment of new patterns of behaviour based on abstinence from alcohol. However, there are severe risks associated with its use. Some of these were addressed in the Age article, but not all.

Use of the drug can lead to some pretty severe consequences for individuals and their families. The ‘disulfiram reaction’ is potentially toxic and can occur through unintentional exposure to alcohol through products such as mouthwash, cosmetics, vinegars and salad dressings. It’s more complicated than avoiding black forest cake and punchbowls.

Usually, people take disulfiram in tablet form. This allows a quick response (i.e. ceasing its use) if problems develop. With an implant, this is much more difficult, making the potential risks that much greater. Apart from the health risks associated with using disulfiram, the feedback we consistently get from people who have made multiple attempts to overcome their alcohol dependence is that it is only effective with a small percentage of people.

We understand that it can appear to be an attractive option for people who are desperate for change, but the unfortunate reality is that overcoming dependence is a much more complicated process than popping a pill (or getting an implant). It’s about changing patterns of thinking and behaviour. This is the work of counselling and rehabilitation services, like our Catalyst program.

As anyone who has tried to give up smoking will know, you need more than just nicotine patches to quit.

As with any approach to alcohol and other drug treatment, medication should be seen as one part of a multipronged approach to supporting sustained behavioural change. Anyone considering including disulfiram in their treatment should be aware of the potential health risks and the additional medical monitoring that would be necessary as part of an integrated treatment plan, particularly if they have existing health problems. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has a mental illness or history of high blood pressure, liver, kidney or heart disease should seek expert medical advice about possible complications.

Occasionally, we see media coverage (such as the Age story) that asks why Antabuse isn’t more commonly prescribed in Australia. The simple reason is that it’s potentially dangerous and comparatively ineffective. Antabuse has been around since 1948. In the meantime, there are several other drugs that have been developed to support abstinence from alcohol, without the associated risks.

Anyone considering using medication to assist their recovery from alcohol (or any other drug) dependence should consult with experienced AOD services or an Addiction Medicine Specialist. With appropriate expert supervision, such medications can play an important role in achieving sustainable behavioural change, but they will be unlikely to produce any significant outcomes unless they are part of a more comprehensive response to the problem.

Ends

CALL FOR PAPERS: International Energy Drinks Conference: Geelong, Victoria, Australia, 6-7th November 2014

CALL FOR PAPERS:

International Energy Drinks Conference: Geelong, Victoria, Australia, 6-7th November 2014.

The 1st International Energy Drinks Conference

Background

Caffeinated energy drinks are the focus of a new and rapidly progressing public health conversation in a number of countries. With most developed nations experiencing an exponential growth in energy drink sales, there are emergent fears amongst many health advocates about the health and behavioural effects of energy drink use. A developing interdisciplinary group of independent, government-supported and industry-funded researchers are working to investigate the: health and behavioural outcomes of consumption; consumption by young people; the consumption of energy drinks with alcohol; impacts of excessive consumption, and; the public health and policy issues surrounding availability and product labelling.

In this context, an international conference on Energy Drinks Research will be held in Geelong, Victoria, Australia on 6-7thNovember 2014.

The conference will be an interdisciplinary meeting of international non-beverage industry affiliated researchers at the forefront of energy drinks research.

Organisation and Program Committee

The conference will be hosted by the Deakin University Faculty of Health, at the Geelong Waterfront Campus. The Scientific committee is chaired by A/Prof Peter Miller (Deakin University) and includes Mr Nicolas Droste (Deakin University) Dr Raimondo Bruno and Ms Amy Peacock (University of Tasmania), Dr Amy Pennay (Turning Point) and Ms. Genevieve Cowie (Monash University).

A broader organising committee for the conference is chaired by Dr Beth Costa (Deakin University) and includes Dr Lucy Zinkiewicz, Dr Arlene Walker and Ms Alexa Hayley (Deakin University) Mr Sean O’Rourke (VicHealth), and Ms Helen Reddan (City of Greater Geelong).

Submissions

Papers are welcomed from a variety of methodological traditions, including controlled trials, case studies, chart audits, population survey analyses, time-series analyses, qualitative studies, program or policy evaluations, social psychology experimental studies and systematic reviews.

All abstracts relevant to the conference topic will be considered and subject to peer review.

All submissions must declare sources of funding for the research and the nature of any financial relationship with beverage industry stakeholders. Attendance is based on invitation only based upon your application to attend. People who are employed by energy drinks manufacturers, or have received research grants, travel expenses or other financial rewards will not be invited to attend.

Invited Speakers

The following international researchers will present keynotes on the primary themes of the conference:

• “Energy drinks mixed with alcohol: What are the risks?” (A/Prof Cecile Marczinski, USA)

• “The stimulating truth about energy drinks and the heart” (Professor Chris Semsarian, Australia)

• “Scientific evidence regarding the health effects and safety of energy drinks: What are the public policy responses?” (Professor Amelia Arria, USA)

• “These are for the cool people”: why you won’t see advertising for alcohol energy drinks (Professor Sandra Jones, Australia)

Size and Structure of the Meeting

We aim to have 80 or more attendants from various fields participating in the conference. Presentations will be 20 minutes. Poster submissions will also be considered.

Time and Venue

The conference will be held at the Deakin University Waterfront Campus in Geelong, located approximately 1-hour south west of Melbourne, serviced by rail (V-Line) and air (Melbourne Avalon).

The conference will be preceded by a waterfront cocktail party on the evening of Wednesday November 5th and will finish in the late afternoon of Friday November 7th. A conference dinner will be held in the evening of Thursday November 6th. International visitors may wish to combine travel to the conference with attendance at the 2014 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol & other Drugs conference, taking place in Adelaide from Monday 10th November.

Abstract Submissions

Scholars interested in presenting to the conference are invited to submit an informative abstract by May 31st 2014 by visiting:www.edconference.com.au and using the Abstract Submission Tool.

Abstracts should be no more than 300 words. The document should include all author and institution details as well as contact details of the corresponding author. Abstracts should cover the background to the paper, methodology, results and conclusion.

All submissions must sign the accompanying conflict of interest declaration.

Please send any enquiries you may have to: edconference-admin@deakin.edu.au

Conference registration fee

A registration fee of $250 will apply to all attendants at the conference, reduced to $200 for early-bird registration and $125 for current students. Early bird registration will close Monday 8th September. The organisers will suggest hotel and transport options at different price levels on the conference website.

www.edconference.com.au

Jobs: Operations Development Coordinator – Western Australia

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Operations Development Coordinator WASUA

OVERVIEW
The Western Australian Substance Users Association (WASUA) is a state-wide, peer based community organisation that aims to improve the health and social circumstances of people who use both licit and illicit substances in WA. Programs and services are delivered within a social health and community development framework underpinned by harm reduction and peer education. Services include a fixed site Needle Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP) in Perth & Bunbury, mobile NSEP in the South West, Health Clinic, Treatment Referral Service, Safe Disposal, Community Education, Hepatitis C Resource Project, Opioid Pharmacotherapy Advocacy & Complaints Service (ORPACS), Outreach program, Peer Naloxone & Overdose Prevention and Management (OPAM), Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) team etc

Operations Development Coordinator:
WASUA is seeking a part-time (30 hours per week – potential for full-time), Operations Development Coordinator to be part of the WASUA Management Team. This newly created position of Operations Development Coordinator will:

· Provide leadership and support to WASUA staff, students and volunteers and contribute to WASUA achieving its strategic purpose.

· Ensure effective and efficient operational management, planning and development for all WASUA programs and services

· Build WASUA’s capacity to respond effectively to the growing and changing demands that impact upon WASUA consumers and services

The successful candidate will have highly developed management skills and demonstrated leadership qualities, excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and a commitment to strive for organisational excellence. A sound understanding of the AOD sector, harm reduction and the issues that impact upon people who use drugs, is highly desirable.

Salary is in accordance with the Federal SCHCDS Industry Award Level 7/8 range, commensurate with experience (salary packaging is available).

For a copy of the application package please contact Gari-Emma Perry at WASUA on (08) 9321 2877 or email accreditation For more information regarding this position please contact Louise Grant at WASUA on (08) 9321 2877 or email manager@wasua.com.au Written applications will be administered by ANSON Recruitment Company (further information available in application package)

WASUA is prepared to negotiate hours with the right applicant.
Applications close on Monday 12th May 2014. WASUA is an equal opportunity employer.

Jobs: Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (Sydney)

Join the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) to work at the cutting edge of drug health services!

Are you passionate about social justice and working with marginalised drug users? Are you able to work flexibly and creatively with a diverse client group in a low threshold setting? Do you have two years’ experience working with people who inject drugs? Then come and join our team at the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) www.sydneymsic.com.

Sydney MSIC is currently recruiting suitably qualified people to join our Health Education team as casual and part time Health Education Officers in Kings Cross.

Applicants need to be able available to work some or all weekday shifts 9.30-13.30hrs; 13.30-18.00hrs on an as-needed basis (backfilling leave), with some limited opportunities to work evening (18.00-22.00hrs) and weekends (9.30-13.30hrs; 13.30-18.00hrs). People successfully recruited into these positions will also have an opportunity to back-fill some part time positions on a regular basis between June and Sept 2014.

To be considered for one of our Heath Education Officer roles you must meet the essential criteria below.

Essential Criteria:
• Qualifications in Welfare or Social Sciences, Psychology, Public Health or equivalent or working towards same.
• Understanding of and commitment to Harm Minimisation, Social Justice and the service delivery model of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre. • Ability to work in a demanding and changeable environment.
• Understanding of the health, social and legal issues related to injecting drug use and marginalised populations.
• Understanding of the legislative, policy framework and values underpinning MSIC’s operation.
• Computer competence including word processing and the use of clinical databases. • 2 years’ experience working with people who inject drugs.
• Experience working in needle syringe services, drug and alcohol services, crisis or accommodation services.
• Experience in psychosocial and drug use assessment and referral, supportive counselling and crisis management.

This is an opportunity for you to work in a supportive and friendly work environment, which provides you with continuing education opportunities, and a chance to progress your career.

Love Your Work. Join Our Team. Make a Difference. Apply Now.

To obtain a position description or to submit an application please go to: www.unitingcarenswact.org.au/careers

For Further Information Contact: Sarah Hiley – Health Education Team Manager – 02 9360 1191

If you require assistance with your application please contact HR Services on (02) 1300 797 358.

Closing Date: 5pm on 8th May, 2014

Please visit our careers page www.unitingcarenswact.org.au/careers to view additional opportunities with UnitingCare NSW.ACT.

Appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory Federal Criminal Records check. UnitingCare is an EEO employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Jobs: Training Co-ordinator Position – Melbourne

TRAINING COORDINATOR (VIC, SA & TAS REGION)

 Melbourne CBD Location

Part-time or Full-time negotiable (4-5 days)

Remuneration based on knowledge and experience (negotiable). SMART Recovery Australia (SRAU) offers salary packaging.

About SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based program for people with addictive behaviour. It is delivered in a facilitated mutual aid (self-help) group setting.

 

About SMART Recovery Australia

SMART Recovery Australia Limited is a registered Not-for-Profit Organisation as a company limited by guarantee. SRAU is also recognised as a health promotion charity.

 

SRAU Head office is in Haymarket, Sydney.

About the Role:

The Training Coordinator (Vic, SA & Tas Region) will report directly to the SMART Recovery Australian Executive Director and be responsible for the following:

  • SMART Recovery training in the Vic, SA & Tas region.
  • Assist the further development of SMART Recovery groups in Australia with the particular focus on the Vic, SA & Tas region.
  • Assist the National Training Coordinator with other training.
  • Assist the development and implementation of refresher and new training packages.
  • Assist the SRAU team with marketing of the training and groups; including presenting at conferences.
  • Assist the development and implementation of online groups.
  • Assist with the evaluation of the training and groups.
  • Participate in the research agenda of the organisation.
  • Convene committees relevant to your role, as determined through negotiation with the Executive Director.
  • Be prepared to travel interstate.

The role will receive remote secretariat support.

Skills and Attributes:

 Essential criteria:

  • Appropriate tertiary qualification, and a graduate degree in health promotion, psychology, education or similar will be favoured.
  • High level of awareness of the alcohol and other drugs, addictions and mental health fields.
  • At least 5 years experience in the related field(s).
  • Can demonstrate excellence in facilitation and presentation skills.
  • Can demonstrate a solid understanding of models of peer support.
  • High level written, verbal, information technology and digital media skills.
  • Demonstrate can work independently, and as part of a small team.

Highly Desirable Criteria:

  • Have had experience training on-line.
  • Have had experience un-paid or paid work for a Not-for-Profit organisation.

For a copy of the position description email smartrecovery@srau.org.au

 

All applicants must:

 

  • Provide a cover letter as part of their application
  • Address the essential and highly desirable criteria, detailing how they best meet the criteria.
  • Provide a C.V. with three references.

 

For more information:

 

Contact:            Josette Freeman           Email:       jfreeman@srau.org.au

Phone:              02-9373-5100                 Website:   www.smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au

 

 

Application close on: 5pm Wednesday 30th April 2014

 

Please email applications to:   Ryan McGlaughlin, Executive Director

                                                rmcglaughlin@srau.org.au