Senior Workforce Development Coordinator

• Make a positive and tangible contribution to the community
• Supporting health sector workforces to minimise the harms of drug use
• 2 years Full Time or Part Time
• $95k -$110k plus superannuation and NFP Salary Packaging Benefits

Penington Institute is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation connecting lived experience and research to improve community safety in relation to drugs including pharmaceuticals and alcohol.

Our vision is that communities are safe, healthy and empowered to manage substance use.

We focus on promoting effective strategies, frontline workforce education and public awareness activities, making individuals and families safer and healthier.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The primary focus of the Senior Workforce Development Coordinator is training and workforce development. The Coordinator is also responsible for engaging regularly with frontline services to understand their needs and changing priorities, and to be able to identify and respond to emerging issues.

The role contributes to the broader objectives of Penington Institute and is key to the establishment and delivery of learning and development programs to increase the workforce capability of mental health and alcohol and other drug workers.

As a small organisation, a hands-on approach and a willingness to chip in and get things done are essential requirements.

 The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Manager, Research and Workforce Development, the Senior Workforce Development Coordinator plays a critical role in assisting the Penington Institute to achieve its strategic objectives.

You will deliver training and education across the health sector, including to needle and syringe program staff, and contribute to the development of new initiatives to reduce harm associated with drug use.

Be part of a positive, energetic and dedicated team (12 staff in total) who are passionate about Penington Institute’s mission to actively support the adoption of approaches to substance use that promote safety and human dignity.

The role offers flexibility for hybrid work and a great work environment.

The Person:

The successful candidate will ideally have a clinical background and a passion for education, training, and development, as well as experience in developing educational materials, delivering training sessions and providing consultation services.

You are likely to understand and have experience delivering training in a range of engaging formats and work to build the capacity of workforces including the needle and syringe programs.

You are always open to new ideas and ways to empower people with knowledge.

You understand the challenges we face supporting approaches to drug use that promote safety and human dignity.

You have a desire to give back to society by undertaking impactful, cause-based work.

You enjoy being hands-on across the breadth of training but also like to contribute to other areas of an organisation where you can add value.

You understand and are committed to the values of, and benefits delivered by, the not-for-profit sector.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL POSSESS:

• Clinical experience in the alcohol and drug or mental health fields or sound understanding of current alcohol and drug and mental health issues
• A good understanding of the impact of alcohol and other drug issues in the workplace and with frontline workers
• A track record of developing, delivering, and evaluating training content
• An understanding of the workforce development needs of frontline workers in the community and health sector and the decision-making processes within these organisations
• Post-graduate tertiary qualification in the health, social or mental health field
• Ability to project manage a number of education/training projects including utilising online training platforms
• Well-developed computing skills, including word processing (e.g. Microsoft Office)
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to liaise, influence and negotiate with funders and other stakeholders

WHAT WE OFFER

• Salary of $95k -$110k plus superannuation commensurate with experience
• Full Not for Profit salary packaging
• Friendly & supportive team
• Flexible working hours including a Hybrid work model.

NEXT STEPS

Download a copy of the position description here.

If you believe you have the ability to fill this position, please submit your application to Anna Rolle  a.rolle@penington.org.au

Please ensure your application includes a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria as well as a current CV.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Karen Gelb, Manager, Research and Workforce Development, on +61 3 9650 0699.

Applications Close: There is no deadline – please apply as soon as possible.

**Please note applications will be screened upon receipt and advertising will close upon the appointment of the successful applicant.**

Essential
You will have:
• Clinical experience in the alcohol and drug or mental health fields or sound understanding of
current alcohol and drug and mental health issues
• A good understanding of the impact of alcohol and other drug issues in the workplace and with
frontline workers
• A track record of developing, delivering, and evaluating training content
• An understanding of the workforce development needs of frontline workers in the community
and health sector and the decision-making processes within these organisations
• Ability to project manage a number of education/training projects including utilising online
training platforms
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to speak publicly in a
range of settings and to liaise with people at all levels and from various backgrounds
• Creativity and innovation in drawing information from a range of sources to research issues and
problem solve
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• Proven self-direction with the ability to exercise initiative, discretion and judgment when working
remotely
• A current unrestricted driver’s license and willingness to travel across the state as needed,
including on occasion overnight stays

Desirable
You will have:
• Experience working in a Needle and Syringe Program or other relevant frontline service
• Qualifications relevant to healthcare and substance use
• Conceptual and analytical skills
• Technical proficiency in using Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Word)