Prevention Officer – Tobacco Cessation

The Organisation The Cancer Council ACT (CCACT) is strongly committed to promoting a healthier community by reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in the ACT region, through community engagement, promotion of prevention, support and information services and cancer research. CCACT’s vision is for a cancer free future, minimising the incidence and impact of cancer on people within the ACT and region and is underpinned by CCACT’s values – accountability, empathy, honesty, and good intent. Culture & Benefits

• Flexible and supportive environment with work life balance
• Competitive salary and generous salary packaging
• Canberra based, Hybrid & WFH home potential

The Role This is a dual role that includes both the role of smoking cessation officer in the general community (through an ongoing ACT Government Service Funding Agreement) as well as the day to day running of the “Tackling Tobacco” program which is a new ACT Government funded three-year grant project working with local community service providers. Tobacco cessation in the ACT involves the development, resourcing, presenting and evaluation of education and awareness courses / sessions to various stakeholders to effect quitting in a variety of settings as part of tobacco control. The Tackling Tobacco ACT program (the Program) is an integrated program that aims to reduce health and social inequalities through addressing smoking in disadvantaged communities (priority populations). Reporting to the clinical lead, the prevention officer will:

• Deliver presentations, including education sessions and courses to the broader community, corporate groups, school students, to assist their clients to quit (or not take up) smoking.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of smoking control and be the local source of advice and community education including the Quit program.
• Develop strong relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, including government, health, education, and community support service groups.
• Research and provide advice as to effective strategies CCACT could adopt to increase effectiveness of ACT tobacco (and eCig) control measures
• Implement the Tackling Tobacco ACT Program by providing ongoing liaison and training support to the organisations participating in the Program to ensure they achieve the program objectives

This role may involve some after hours and weekend work to deliver presentations and attend CCACT major events such as Relay for life and Daffodil Day. Skills Required This role would suit candidates with experience of working in the community, government, or health sector, with tertiary qualifications in either health promotion, community services or education. You will understand tobacco usage and control issues and have experience in the delivery of health projects. Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills that promote effective partnerships are important in this role as is ability to work within a small cohesive team, with a willingness to multi-skill and support the overall objectives of the organisation. Practical knowledge and experience in addiction theory, behavioural change models, brief interventions and motivational interviewing would be desirable but not essential. If you are passionate about developing healthier communities by reducing tobacco usage in the ACT, then apply by submitting your resume and cover letter responding to the skills required. For further information please contact Hayley Martin on 02 82430570. Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.