Author Archives: James

App fever sweeps the AOD sector

Via ADIN:

Alcohol and drug smartphone applications (apps) are flooding the market with 247 million people downloading health-related apps worldwide last year (Jahns, R., 2013). There are now so many of these apps that the Australian Drug Foundation’s ADIN website has been reviewing them.

What makes a good app?

Recent research has identified that young people are interested in apps that are:

– Supporting health-related behaviour change
– Accurate, legitimate and secure
– Easy to use
– Positively impact mood through generating positive alerts and reminders

The key characteristics of an app that young people were interested in was the ability to track behaviour and goals, as well as the ability to acquire advice and information ‘on the go’ (Dennison, L., et al, 2013). Apps like MyFitnessPal and Quit Now: My QuitBuddy are excellent examples of apps that apply these principles.

For more examples of what makes an app good (or bad), check ADIN’s app reviews.

If you know a good alcohol, other drug or mental health app you’d like reviewed, suggest it on the ADIN website.

Jobs: CAHMA Manager – Canberra

CANBERRA ALLIANCE FOR HARM MINIMISATION & ADVOCACY – CAHMA

Would you like to work for an established local organisation committed to improving the health and human rights of people who use/have used illicit drugs? If so, read on about a rare but exciting opportunity to join CAHMA – Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation & Advocacy. We are looking for someone with great energy who has leadership qualities and management skills plus a commitment to making a real difference to the lives of people who use illicit drugs and those in drug treatment in the ACT and surrounding area.

CAHMA is the ACT’s only peer-based drug user organisation and is a member of the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), the peak national organisation representing people who use or have used illicit drugs. CAHMA is also auspiced by AIVL and is co-located with them, in the City Centre. CAHMA currently runs a range of information, education, referral, outreach and advocacy services in and around Canberra. This is a full time position for 37.5 hours per week.

Reporting to the AIVL Executive Officer, the CAHMA Manager will be responsible for managing all CAHMA projects and programs, including management of a small team of staff and volunteers; representing CAHMA on high level committees and at public events; and supporting the development of CAHMA towards independence. A starting salary of up to $70,000 per annum, plus superannuation, is offered for this position. Salary packaging is negotiable and other generous terms and conditions of employment are also available.

As a peer-based organisation, people with direct experience of the issues the organisation represents are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Applicants MUST address all key selection criteria in their applications to be considered for interview. Application packs can be obtained from the AIVL website at: anniem

APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 5.30PM ON MONDAY 9th December 2013.

Jobs: Research Officers – Sydney NSW

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales is currently advertising two exciting new research officer positions.

One of the positions will be working on a range of studies examining opioid use and harms.

The other position will be working on a range of reviews of the epidemiology and harms associated with illicit drug use, and effective interventions to prevent and treat drug use and dependence. This will in part feed into the Global Burden of Disease 2.0 project as well as the Disease Control Priorities project:

Both projects are led by Professor Louisa Degenhardt in collaboration with researchers across Australia and internationally.

Both positions are Level 6. Position one description and selection criteria is available here: http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/jobs/08111303.html

Position two description and selection criteria is available here: http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/jobs/08111304.html

Jobs: Workforce Development – Victoria

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Finding great trainers is difficult. You know what we mean; people who understand the

stakeholders they are working with and their specific needs, and who can develop, design

and deliver training and support that has an enduring impact.

Ours is a dynamic, fast growing policy development and training organisation committed to the prevention of drug related harm.

The role involves face-to-face consultation, training and support to groups including:

o health and social welfare services

o government and the private sector

o community groups.

We are looking for someone with energy and commitment.

If you wish to make a difference to the communities in which we operate, please contact us at Anex.

For a PD and information go to http://www.anex.org.au/about-us/employment/

For further information about the role, contact: Jo Gillard via email: j.gillard

Closing date for applications: 5:00 pm Thursday 18 November 2013

2013 National Hepatitis Health Promotion Conference

Via Hepatitis Australia:

Keynote Announced!
Dear Colleagues,

Hepatitis Australia is excited to announce the attendance of an outstanding keynote speaker for the 2013 National Hepatitis Health Promotion Conference – Breaking through the Barriers to be held at the PARKROYAL Sydney on 14 – 15 November.

Hepatitis Australia looks forward to welcoming Sean Slavin, AFAO HIV Education & Health Promotion Officer.

Sean will present in the opening plenary on:
Stigma and Discrimination: What we can learn from the HIV sector?

Sean Slavin is a member of the national HIV education and health promotion team at the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations. He has worked in HIV social science research and community based education and prevention for over 15 years.

His experience spans community-based organisations, university research centres and government. He has conducted social research into HIV and Hepatitis C as they relate to drug use and sexual practice and recently, he has led a project to document and analyse the experiences of stigma among people with HIV. Findings from this national “HIV Stigma Audit” are currently being published.
Keep updated!
If you would like to receive regular updates on the conference program, conference awards and social program please add us on Facebook & Twitter.

–
Reminders!
Remember to REGISTER by 1 November to secure your place at this year’s Hepatitis Health Promotion Conference at: www.hepatitisaustralia.com/registration

For more information please contact: conference2013

Jobs: AOD Clinician – Liverpool NSW

An opportunity has become available for a suitably qualified clinician to work within the Liverpool MERIT Team based at Liverpool, NSW. The position is full time maternity relief until November 2014 with a possible extension of up to 12 months. Please see the position details below.

Reference Number 159288
Position Title Social Worker/Counsellor/Welfare Officer (Level 1/2) /Psychologist/HEO Grad – MERIT Program Liverpool F/T
Employment Status Temporary Full Time (up to 10/11/2014)
Entity South Western Sydney Local Health District
Geographical Location Liverpool
Award Classification Dependent on qualifications
Salary
Number of FTE 1.00
Purpose of Position The provision of assessments, case management and co-ordination of clinical and welfare interventions to MERIT clients throughout their bail period of up to three months. This position provides written and oral reports for the clients who remain under the court’s supervision through the program.
Full time Maternity Leave Relief up to November 2014 with a possible extension up to a further 12 months.
Selection Criteria This position requires a Working With Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian website www.kids.nsw.gov.au/working-with-children/new-working-with-children-check

• Relevant tertiary qualifications, AHPRA registration or membership to relevant professional organisation as required

• Clinical skills in assessment, case management and counselling.

• Knowledge of the harm reduction approach to drug and alcohol problems and demonstrated experience in the provision of interventions with drug dependent clients.

• High quality communication skills including the provision of quality written reports within a given timeframe.

• Demonstrated organisational and administrative competence including basic computer literacy and time management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary team.

• Unrestricted NSW drivers licence (P2 licence acceptable).
Contact Person Patrick Leahy
Contact Number 0425 330 381
Closing Date 25/10/2013

For more information, please follow this link:

http://nswhealth.erecruit.com.au/ViewPosition.aspx?Id=159288