About Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd (KAMS) is the peak regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Established in 1986, KAMS was formed to provide a unified voice for Aboriginal health and wellbeing, and to deliver centralised resources and collective advocacy in partnership with its Member Services. KAMS is governed by a Board of Directors made up of Aboriginal health leaders from across its Member Services.

KAMS is a member-based organisation representing eight independent Aboriginal organisations:

• Beagle Bay Futures Indigenous Corporation

• Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange

• Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service

• Derby Aboriginal Health Service

• Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation

• Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services

• Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service

• Yura Yungi Medical Service

Our vision is that all Kimberley Aboriginal people are empowered to be strong, healthy, and connected through Aboriginal community-controlled services. 

Our purpose is to deliver holistic health and wellbeing outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations, centred around Aboriginal culture and knowledge.

KAMS provides a wide range of services and programs to support our Member Services and improve the health and wellbeing of Kimberley Aboriginal people, in line with the ACCHS Model of Care. Our services and programs include:

• Kimberley Renal Services – renal health centres in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, and Fitzroy Crossing, a Mobile Dialysis Unit, and chronic kidney disease prevention  

• Remote Services - comprehensive primary health care delivered through remote health centres in Balgo, Beagle Bay, Bidyadanga, Billiluna, and Mulan  

• Mental Health – mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and headspace Broome

• Integrated Support Services – disability, aged care, and population health

• Kimberley Aboriginal Health Research Alliance – research and research partnerships

• Workforce – HR, WHS, training, workforce development, and Registered Training Organisation

• Corporate and Clinical Support – business services, communications, policy, finance, ICT, sector strengthening, and medical services including clinical governance and public health

KAMS is a proud member of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA), the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA), and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

Position Summary

• Manages a client case load and delivers culturally safe nursing care in accordance with unit protocols and best practice guidelines.
• Supervise new staff and assist in their education
• Provides a holistic approach to client care, contributing to the multidisciplinary team and making referrals as needed.
• Takes a Shift Co-ordinator role
• Contributes to the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement at the Renal Health Centre

Relationships

Internal

• All Kimberley Renal Services Staff
• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service Staff

External

• Visiting Nephrology Specialist
• Aboriginal Medical Services staff throughout the Kimberley
• Other members of the multidisciplinary team
• Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS)

Duty Statement and Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities 

1. Manage a client case load and deliver culturally safe nursing care in accordance with unit protocols and best practice guidelines

• Delivers nursing care utilising a high level of skill in assessment, planning and implementation of dialysis care, prioritising care and initiating emergency procedures.
• Practices in accordance with Infection Control and Occupational Safety & Health procedures and policies.
• Adhere to KRS and KAMS policies and procedures at all times       
• Ensure delivery of care is provided utilising Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Care Coordinator to ensure cultural safety at all times
• Evaluates and adjusts treatment parameters in relation to clients’ response to treatment and monthly blood tests, in accordance with unit policies and consultation with medical staff where necessary. 
• Promotes clients’ health and independence by empowering clients and their families, through education and positive feedback.
• Is proactive in detecting potential dialysis access related problems by utilising assessment tools and equipment available and makes appropriate referrals.
• Take responsibility for own learning needs; ensuring individual yearly mandatory training is maintained and seek learning opportunities
• Ensure safe practice and compliance with unit protocols which includes the Renal Medication Administration Competency Assessment and standing orders in relation to the storage and administration of medication at the Renal Health Centre 
• Adhere to the Kimberley Standard Drug List and Medicines and Poisons Act
• Follow machine maintenance regimes, monitor and seek technical assistance when necessary

2. Supervise new staff and assist in their education

• Support the role of the Aboriginal Health Worker
• Supervises the care given by new staff and acts as a clinical skills resource within their scope of practice.
• Initiates informal learning opportunities for Aboriginal Health Workers, Registered and Enrolled Nurses.
• Supervises medication preparation and administration by the Aboriginal Health Worker in accordance with unit protocols and medication certification level of the Aboriginal Health Worker.
• Provide in-services up-skilling for all staff

3.  Provides a holistic approach to client care, contributing to the multidisciplinary team  and making referrals as needed

• Makes referrals to other members of the multidisciplinary team
• Takes a role in the multidisciplinary team meeting promoting a holistic approach to advocating for clients

4.      Coordinate the shift and support the Level 2

•       Co-ordinates the staff and clients as shift co-ordinator in the absence of Level 2 to ensure   safe care and manageable workloads
•       Liaises with the driver, medical staff, and outside agencies to ensure clients attend dialysis     and appointments in a timely manner.
•       Responsible for ensuring KRS KAMS property is appropriately secure at all times
•       Undertake higher duties in the absence of the Level 2 as required

5.    Contributes to the development and implementation of continuous quality                                improvement

•      Proactive in evaluating clinical practice and unit protocols and procedures to ensure best practice guidelines are met.
•       Manages allocated portfolio and reports to Level 2 and Nurse Unit Manager
•       Conducts clinical audits and initiates, plans and implements quality improvement projects under the supervision of Level 2.
•       Participates in other projects as required. 

Selection Criteria

Essential

•    Holds a certificate in Nursing and a current Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration 

•    At least 18 months’ current experience in haemodialysis nursing or enrolled in a recognised training program

•    Experience supervising junior staff

•    Commitment to the philosophy and practice of Aboriginal Community Control

•    Well-developed interpersonal communication and organisational skills

•    Ability to work as an effective team member and role model.

•    Ability to maintain confidentiality at all levels

•    Sound computer skills

•    “C” class driver’s licence

•    Current National Police Clearance or willingness to obtain one

Selection Criteria

Desirable

•    Post graduate qualification in Renal Nursing or working towards.

•    Experience in working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.

•    Experience in working in rural and remote locations

•    A local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, with established connections to                  the region.