With a population of 6500, Roma is the major service centre for the western region of the Darling Downs. Roma is located 479 km west of Brisbane and sits at the junction of the Warrego and Carnarvon highways.

It is the major centre of pastoral and wheat-growing district, in which oranges and vines are grown and much wine is produced. Beef, grain and wool are its chief
industries, with an increasing demand from the oil and gas industries.

Roma is steeped in history but is also a modern town. You can relax at the movies or participate in sporting activities such as, lawn bowls, golf, tennis, squash or archery. If you would like to catch up with friends, there are several clubs, hotels and coffee shops to choose from.

The tenure of the position of a part time or casual GP to work 3 – 6 months with the possibility to lead to full time employment. The terms of employment will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
The position is based in Roma or Charleville and the successful applicant will be responsible for the delivery of General Practitioner services in a Primary Health Care setting and to raise the health profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in and around Charleville and the western areas. The salary would be negotiable.

Key Duties would include providing a General Practitioner service, creating and maintaining Continuity of Care Plans, maintaining statistical data, assisting in the development of resource material, developing and implementing health education sessions and implementing Adult and Child health checks, complying with and utilising procedures, policies, regulations and standards which impact upon the position. You will also be required to provide direction and policy on health issues, evaluating programs for future planning with respect to individual clients and community groups.

Other duties include attending meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences under direction of the Chief Executive Officer, maintaining liaison with relevant
health professionals, utilising communication skills, both oral and written, liaising and networking with Government and non-Government bodies/agencies as well as individuals, relating to and working co-operatively in a team environment and other duties as directed from the Chief Executive Officer.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

2. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contemporary health issues relating to Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people.

3. Demonstrated sound level of written and oral communication skills, including the ability to negotiate and interact sensitively and effectively with Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander and other health care providers.

4. Demonstrated ability to provide high quality patient care.

5. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

6. Ability and commitment to provide after-hours clinical services.

7. Knowledge and understanding of, or the ability to rapidly acquire the knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity and anti-discrimination principles and practices which has impact in the work place.

8. Open or “C” class driver’s license required.

“Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Health” (C.W.A.A.T.S.I.C.H) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

Due to the recognized need to address the problem of mainstream health bodies not providing culturally appropriate primary health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it was determined in late 1993 that an Aboriginal Health Centre should be created to facilitate the full participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in, and the full utilization of, appropriate health services.

As a result of this, an application was made to the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations, for incorporation under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1975, for which approval was given on the 31st of March, 1994.

The organization delivers Primary Health Care and currently incorporates the services of a Registered Nurse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, two Massage Therapists, a Regional Eye Health coordinator, a Sexual Health coordinator, a Project Officer, Finance Officer and four administration/reception officers.

The Corporation has satellite practices in Quilpie, Mitchell and Roma. Charleville is our main branch and Roma is our second largest clinic.

When our General Practitioner was available, the main types of clients presenting were of a mixed demographic. Although we are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focused Primary Health Care Service, we do not restrict our clientele and services on this basis, and provide assistance to all members of the communities we operate in.

The major needs of clients/patients previously presenting to the practices were not specifically grouped and can be classed as general practice work. Currently due to the absence of a General Practitioner, the main type of presentations are for BSL, BP, Immunisations, dressing changes, massage therapy and referrals to other medical service providers.

The doctors are available for home visits with normal consulting hours. After hours, consultations will be undertaken according to the Doctors availability and willingness to undertake the consultation. In the event that the doctors are unable to undertake consultations outside of normal consulting hours, patients/clients are to be directed to the Roma/Charleville Health Service District Hospital.