Hepatitis C Peer Outreach Worker

Hepatitis C Peer Outreach Worker Position Description

Hours per Week: 22.8 hours (0.6 EFT)

Award Classification: SCHADS Level 3

Position objective: To support and enhance the aims of The C No More Project, a project designed to provide links to hepatitis C testing for people accessing Corrections Victoria community offices in suburban locations around Melbourne. A lot of the work will be talking to other people who might be affected by hepatitis C from a peer perspective and talking to them about harm reduction.

The C No More Project is a hepatitis C testing and treatment service at Victorian Community Corrections sites. It is a partnership between St Vincent’s Hospital, Harm Reduction Victoria and Burnet Institute. We use a mobile clinic and novel testing method with a nurse and peer working together. The project also aims to promote harm reduction, as well as testing and vaccinating for sexually transmitted infections, for people on Community Corrections orders. This is all part of an effort to eliminate hepatitis C in Australia by 2030.

Key Responsibility Areas:

1. Contribute to team decision-making surrounding C No More model of care refinements, ensuring accessibility to our community.
2. Contribute to the development of education modules to Community Corrections staff, ensuring the inclusion of non-stigmatising information relating to drug use and people who use drugs.
3. Provide harm reduction education and support, with a specific focus on hepatitis C transmission risk and treatment, but also including safer using strategies, overdose management and naloxone distribution.
4. Learn basic knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and hepatitis B and influenza vaccinations.
5. Work alongside a nurse to co-staff a mobile testing clinic and actively recruit, test, survey and follow-up participants.
6. Provide peer support and mentoring to C No More participants in relation to hepatitis C prevention, treatment and care.
7. Collect and record data related to participant interaction and referrals.
8. Participate in regular team meetings and undertake other tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of the service (e.g., stock management, van stocking and preparation).
9. Maintain a professional work ethic, demonstrating respect and care for all people who engage with the service.

Please note, a requirement of this role is to hold a valid Victorian driver’s license.

Expression of Interest:

HRVic is seeking expressions of interest from anyone with living or lived experience of injecting drug use, hepatitis C, hepatitis C treatment and the Corrections system. If you think you would suit this role, please email admin@hrvic.org.au with a brief description of your experience and why you are interested in this position.

EOIs close on 30 March 2025

Note: Due to the nature of our funding, we are required to undertake a Criminal Record Check and/or Working with Children Check for certain roles. A record check with disclosable outcomes does not automatically disqualify anyone from working at HRVic. Please do not let this stop you from applying. The nature of the record and its potential impact on the role will be taken into account by the organisation, and HRVic is committed to assist with the review of any checks within the short time frame required. If you have any queries or concerns about this process, please contact Jess Holcombe, HRVic’s Finance & Operations Manager, on (03) 9329 1500.

HRVic is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and is a proud supporter and ally of all communities. We recognise that people who use drugs come from all cultures, all ethnicities, all genders, all economic 'classes' and all mental and physical abilities.