Ataxia Clinic Nurse

Reports to:

Director, Research, Clinical Services and Education

Direct reports:

None

Award:

HPSSA level 3.3- 3.5, depending on background and experience

Special Provisions:

• Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD).


• Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance.


• Willingness to adhere to Government mandated vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance.

Summary of the position:

The Ataxia Clinic Nurse position is responsible for ensuring that the clinical/medical issues experienced by clients living with MJD and SCA7 are effectively followed up and that management strategies are implemented. Internally, the role will work closely with the MJD Foundation Consultant Neurologist, the Therapy team, Genetics and Community Services teams, Aboriginal clients, carers and families.  Externally the role will require collaboration and engagement with acute and primary health care providers such as General Practitioners, Hospital- and Community, Health and Disability Services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the effective delivery of clinical supports (for example continence supports, PEG/Stoma/medication management)


• Ensure that the actions identified in the Ataxia clinics or in day-to-day care are articulated, documented and managed through liaison with health care providers and in collaboration with Aboriginal Community Workers in keeping within “Our Way” principles.


• Devise innovative ways to overcome social, cultural and systemic barriers to delivering best practice care to our clients while maintaining an understanding of the social determinants of health.


• Facilitate research projects associated with the Ataxia clinics through the collection and analysis of data and other relevant clinical information.


• Pro-actively contribute to the shared care and integrated complex case management of clients within the community services and therapy teams through the provision of clinical information, person centered planning and risk assessments.


• Mentor and educate staff in the community services-, therapy- and clinical teams as well as clients and families regarding health-related information pertinent to the care of clients.


• Support the delivery of the MJDF Therapy Program “Staying Stronger for Longer”


• Source and maintain relevant health and disability related documentation and liaise with and share information with relevant government and NGO service providers.


• Contribute to the effective delivery of NDIS supports by assisting with documentation and education as required.

Selection Criteria:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in nursing and current registration with AHPRA.


2. At least 3 years of clinical experience in a neurological and/or rehabilitation setting;


3. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and cultures from a historical and contemporary perspective;


4. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and in accordance with community protocols and customs;


5. Experience in Complex Case Management;


6. Experience working with the NDIS;


7. Experience participating in clinical research, data collection and -analysis;


8. A commitment to person and family centred practice and working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach;


9. The ability to pro-actively support, mentor and train (non-clinical) staff, clients and other stakeholders;


10. Familiarity with public health theory such as the social determinants of health.


11. Highly developed ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and develop strong and collaborative relationships;


12. Demonstrated experience with a range of computer software and good computer skills.

Desirable Criteria:

1. Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Spinocerebellar ataxia.


2. Lived experience in remote Aboriginal community settings.