GP Employment opportunity / Expression of Interest
SETTING
First Step is a for-purpose addiction, mental health and legal services hub in the heart of St Kilda supporting over 1,800 people each year.
Our model of care is designed to address the systemic barriers faced by people with complex mental health issues and addiction when trying to access appropriate treatment and support.
Through the application of general medicine and other disciplines we focus on incremental, whole of life improvements that build gently towards physical and mental health and wellbeing. We work to keep people connected to their families, participating in society and taking control of their own lives.
First Step’s services are delivered by a uniquely multi-disciplinary team of GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, lawyers, mental health nurses, care coordinators, counsellors and psycho-social supports.
All for free. All from one team. All at one site.
TEAM MEDICINE and COLLABORATION
You will find yourself in a team of 6 GPs with decades of experience in general medicine, women’s health, addiction medicine and other areas of focus. Your work will be integrated into a constantly collaborating team including:
- clinical and counselling psychology
- mental health nurses
- case managers and care coordinators
- onsite addiction psychiatry
- Group psychoeducation recovery programs
- An accredited community legal centre
If you are not currently a prescriber of opiate substitution therapies we will require you to develop that aspect of your professional practice to work at First Step, and we can mentor you on that path.
SALARY PACKAGING
As a not-for-profit we can offer salary packaging, but uniquely to First Step your wage will be a factor of your billing. Alternatively, you can work as an independent contractor.
LOW-THRESHOLD, SUB-ACUTE PRIMARY CARE
We work hard to remove all barriers to care by bulk-billing all clients, offering appointments as well as drop in clinics, allowing self-referral, and allocating greatest resources to those at greatest risk of harm such as homelessness, incarceration, self-harm or life-threatening circumstances.
PROFESSIONALISM and REPUTATION
First Step is accredited with Australian General Practice Limited (AGPAL). First Step is included in the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health system as the example of 'multi-disciplinary teams, and was recently selected by the Department of Health as the lead agency in its Integrated Care Pilot this year.
PARTNERSHIP
First Step has a number of key relationships with highly respected clinical and commissioning institutions in Melbourne. We have an addicition psychiatrist onsite in a partnership with Alfred Health and are currently running 4 commissions for the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network around mental health, substance use and chronic disease.
CONTACT US
Please contact our CEO Patrick Lawrence at [email protected] or 9537 3177 to express your interest in this position. We would be happy to schedule a visit to the clinic to meet Patrick and the team with no obligation. You can learn more about First Step from our website: www.firststep.org.au
First Step is a completely independent not-for-profit organisation (primarily 'funded' by Medicare) that provides a safe and nurturing work environment for people of all backgrounds, genders, religions, sexualities, ethnicities or any other factor.
