Disability Liaison Officer

Alfred Health

Alfred Health is a leader in health care delivery, improvement, research and education. We are the main provider of health services to people living in the inner southeast suburbs of Melbourne, from ambulatory to inpatient and home and community-based services.

• Permanent
• Full Time or Part Time applications considered
• Classification: Allied Health Grade 2 or 3 or equivalent 

The Department 

Alfred Health Allied Health Directorate comprises a number of Allied Health disciplines (Interpreters, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, Pastoral Care, Patient & Family Services, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics & Orthotics, Psychology and Speech Pathology) who provide patient centered care across all clinical programs that operate at Alfred Health. Allied Health disciplines provide patient centered care that will aim to optimize physical, psychosocial, communication and cognitive functioning. To ensure that the Allied Health workforce is fit for purpose, there is a robust governance structure that provides oversight of staff & student education, research, workforce innovation and quality & safety. 

The Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) program, established in 2020 as part of the Inclusive Victoria State Disability Plan 2022-2026, envisions a healthcare system where accessibility and inclusivity are seamlessly integrated. With support from the Department of Health’s State-wide Coordinator, Sector Coordinators, and a Community of Practice (CoP), the program is grounded in principles that champion a consumer-led approach, the Social Model of Disability and systemic change. It seeks to dismantle barriers to care by building workforce capability, coordinating necessary adjustments, enhancing communication between home and healthcare settings and fostering an active participation in care. Through its collaboration with regional networks and community organizations, the program aims to ensure continuity of care and service improvements that are both inclusive and equitable, thus transforming the healthcare experience for people with disabilities as well as the workforce that supports them.   
The Role 

The DLO is the predominant contact point for people with disability to support them to access and participate in health services. The work includes but is not limited to supporting people to attend appointments, linking people with relevant health services, supporting people during their hospital stay, exploring options for preventative healthcare, accessing COVID-19 vaccination, assessment and treatment services. The DLO will work to address barriers that prevent people with a disability from accessing and participating in services including fear, uncertainty and issues with accessibility and attitudes.     

The DLO will also act as a point of contact for health service staff and patients, community partners and people living with disability in the community to ensure barriers to health care access are overcome and improvement to health care systems, policies and practice facilitate easier, inclusive and disability informed health care service delivery. 

Duties include: 

• Staff supervision 
• Manage intake and handover 
• Manage email and phone referrals (with Grade 2 backup) 
• Education and community outreach  
• Clinical load 
• Attend DHHS and Cluster DLO meetings 
• Lead DLO projects 
• Alfred Health Disability Team meetings 
• Contribute to DHHS DLO evaluation requirements 
• Contribute to DLO research requirements 
• DLO team communications – management of information sharing across part time workforce. 
• Assist with completion of mandatory training 

Skills and Experience 

• Good understanding of the needs and issues for people who have a disability and a comprehensive knowledge of the range of generic and specialist service options available to clients including but not limited to: physical, emotional and mental health, accommodation, legal matters, employment and education. 
• Recognized experience and knowledge in the field of disability and ability to apply policies and processes to meet challenges of known or evolving disability support situations would be expected. This includes: 
  • specialized and contemporary understanding of disability and an ability to apply this theoretical knowledge to client support 
  • knowledge of and skill with coaching, supervision and planning practices 
  • knowledge of complex conditions that impact on disability and the capacity to remain up to date with related developments. 
• Excellent communication skills with patients, their families, colleagues and stakeholders of this service within Alfred Health and including other DLO services and the DHHS 

Staff Benefits 

• Salary Packaging 
• Discount Health Insurance 
• Car Parking (subject to availability) 
• Onsite Gym 
• Child care services

If you would like to discuss potential adjustments to the recruitment process or workplace prior to applying, or if you would like further information please contact Lauren Maher on 0427 274 637

Applications close at 11 pm on Wednesday 19th of February 2025

Alfred Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged.

In accordance with the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020, health care workers in Category A or B roles (as determined by the department’s risk ratings) are required to be vaccinated against influenza or hold an acceptable medical exemption. 

Website: www.alfredhealth.org.au