Family Liaison Officer

Make a difference every day

Dementia Support Australia (DSA) delivers free, nationwide support for people living with dementia whose behaviours impact their care, as well as the families, carers and professionals who support them. Backed by clinical expertise, evidence-based practice and a person-centred approach, DSA helps improve quality of life and care outcomes for people affected by dementia.

When it comes to our people, those we support and those who work alongside us, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and belonging. Through innovative programs, education, consultancy services and multidisciplinary clinical support, we empower individuals, care teams and organisations to respond to the complexities of dementia with confidence and compassion.

As a service led by HammondCare on behalf of the Australian Government, DSA is making a meaningful difference in communities across Australia every day. So, if you're passionate about improving the lives of people living with dementia, join us and build a career with purpose.

The role

Make a difference every day by supporting people living with dementia and those who care for them, as a trusted Family Liaison Officer . This role sits within Dementia Support Australia (DSA), which is a national dementia support service, funded by the Australian Government, led by HammondCare.

As a Family Liaison Officer, you will work in diverse care settings, through the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program (HACDSP) – a service delivered by Dementia Support Australia.

In this role, you will offer compassionate pre- and post -placement support and counselling for families and care teams, while assessing clients' needs, abilities, and behaviours to inform personalised care plans.

The role will also collect valuable data to ensure a seamless transition for clients with dementia from acute care to residential or home settings, enhancing understanding of their social history and support networks.

This role is offered as a Fixed Term Contract until June 2028. This role is based out of our Parramatta office.

Responsibilities

- Contribute to assessing clients’ needs, abilities or behaviour using a variety of methods including validated assessments, semi-structured interviews with key support networks, and direct observation of behaviour, as needed.
- Build rapport and a working relationship with families/representatives participating in the program.
- Facilitate conversation between families/representatives, Hospital Staff and aged care staff, during the pre and post placement phase. This is consultation with the other Dementia Support Australia team colleagues.
- Explore and understanding opportunities and challenges around the transition and placement of someone living with dementia.
- Support families and manage expectations around placement of someone living with dementia.
- Participate in family and case conferences.
- Provide emotional support and practical advice for families in relation to obtaining a placement and supporting the person living with dementia to transition out of hospital.
- Collect of data sets to aid in better understanding what is needed for successful placement of someone living with dementia.

Benefits

- Market leading remuneration
- Salary packaging; $15,900 annually for living expenses, plus up to $2,650 each year for entertainment benefits.
- Flexible hybrid work arrangements in a friendly workplace with an emphasis on work life balance
- Additional training & career development opportunities
- Leave benefits – purchased additional annual leave
- Reward and Recognition Program
- Fitness Passports: Full facility access can include gyms, group classes and pools for yourself and your family.
- Free independent and confidential counselling sessions and free wellbeing resources and webinars available through our Employee Assistance Program in multiple languages.
- Exclusive discounts at MyCar; Servicing, Brakes, Repairs, and Tyre Care Plans. Along with commercial discounts for JB HI-FI and The Good Guys.

What we need from you

- Social Worker or registered Psychologist experience essential
Strong experience and knowledge in dementia care and mental health for older persons
- High level of communication and interpersonal skills to lead and influence
- Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills
- Commitment to engage and align with HammondCare’s Christian Mission, Motivation and Mission in Action.
- A current Australian drivers licence and willingness to travel intrastate and interstate

For more info on Dementia Support Australia (DSA), check out our website: www.dementia.com.au/work-with-us

Learn more about the HACDSP program www.dementia.com.au/hacdsp

Ready to make a change? Apply Now!

All short-listed applicants will be asked to consent to a criminal record check.

HammondCare is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and inclusion. We strive on creating an equal employment environment where everyone from any background can be themselves.