Dual Diagnosis Nurse

About MDAS

MDAS purpose as guided by our Elders is grounded in community culture and selfdetermination:

• Employed by our Community to work for our Community engaging educating and empowering individuals families and the wider Community on their journey to selfdetermination.
• MDAS is committed to being a leading Aboriginal organisation known for making a practical positive difference to clients families and the Community.
• Our work is underpinned by our LORE the foundation of who we are what we do and why we do it.
• Our services people and culture are strengthened through leadership community engagement and collaboration across MDAS teams.

MDAS exists to:

• Heal support serve and protect our communities throughout the Mallee region.
• Foster healthy resilient and capable Aboriginal people and families empowered to be their best and exercise true selfdetermination.
• Care for strengthen empower motivate and guide our Mob.

The Dual Diagnosis Nurse provides support to people experiencing cooccurring alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and mental health concerns. The role includes:

• Assessing clients managing risk providing education and delivering evidencebased treatment and case management for individuals with complex needs.
• Providing confidential and professional AOD and mental health services grounded in a recoveryfocused and culturally safe framework.
• Working collaboratively with Mildura Base Hospital Mental Health Services for consumers requiring acute admission and management.
• Operating under the guidance of the Clinical Practice Leader and within multidisciplinary care settings.

• Undertake screening and assessments for mental health AOD use and cooccurring needs.
• Facilitate referrals to specialist services including residential withdrawal rehabilitation and mental health programs.
• Apply harm minimisation strategies risk assessment and risk management.
• Use evidencebased interventions such as CBT ACT Mindfulness Motivational Interviewing and Relapse Prevention.
• Provide holistic and coordinated care through advocacy liaison and collaboration with external services.
• Codevelop client goals and regularly monitor and document progress.
• Deliver services within traumainformed and recoverybased case management frameworks.

• Enter timely accurate and relevant data into MDASapproved systems to demonstrate progress towards KPIs.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation policies and practices and demonstrate proficiency in required technology.
• Participate in program evaluation with funding and accreditation bodies.
• Escalate concerns or risks that could place clients or families in unsafe situations.
• Initiate and participate in quality improvement activities across MDAS.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner agencies to benefit clients and MDAS.
• Attend relevant meetings training and forums to stay informed on new research and treatment models.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to streamline intake assessment and referral pathways.

• Uphold and respect Aboriginal culture recognising the special connection Aboriginal people have with the land and Community.
• Comply with Quality Risk and OH&S requirements policies and safe work practices.
• Actively improve the safety and quality of services.
• Support internal and external audit processes.

• Qualifications skills and experience in delivering evidencebased treatment for people with cooccurring AOD and mental health needs.
• Strong knowledge of harm minimisation and traumainformed practice.
• Experience applying a range of assessment tools and treatment interventions.
• Ability to provide services within a recoveryoriented case management framework.
• Ability to develop networks and formalised referral pathways.

• Ability to plan monitor and evaluate personal and departmental performance.
• Experience implementing standards related to timelines cost relevance and client satisfaction.

• Ability to work autonomously and under direction with strong problemsolving and decisionmaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to involve clients and carers in treatment planning.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise in response to demand or crisis.
• Understanding of stakeholder needs and ability to negotiate effective solutions.

• Excellent communication skills with clients and carers.
• Ability to liaise effectively with staff and external agencies.
• Strong crosscultural communication skills with Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people.
• Skilled in individual counselling and group facilitation.

• Commitment to providing culturally safe and inclusive services.
• Willingness to learn about other cultures to strengthen relationships and service delivery.

• Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Current Australian Drivers Licence.
• Employee Working with Children Check (Victoria).
• National Police Check.

MDAS is a child safe organisation committed to ensuring the safety wellbeing and empowerment of all children. Employment is subject to mandatory safety screening requirements.