Here is a short description of each of the roles in Positive Directions.
State Manager
Vince O'Donnell is the manager of Positive Directions. The role is state wide and he is located in the Brisbane office. The manager is responsible for overseeing operational matters with the program, especially in seeing the program fulfill its tender with Queensland Health, and our commitment to PLHIV in Queensland. Vince also oversees the implementation of the Strategic Plan for all regions of Positive Directions.
Administration Officers
As the first point of contact between our service and the public, the admin officers are responsible for: the provision of effective administrative support; communication with all enquiries to the program (both internal and external); and to maintain the day to day running of the office. Our Administration officers are:
- Rita Bruce (Administration Coordinator, statewide)
- Tina Takapautolo (Administration Assistant, statewide)
- Dean Maxwell (Administration Officer, Gold Coast)
- Janice Potter (Administration Officer, Sunshine Coast)
Regional Coordinator - SE Qld
Brian Barton is the Regional Coordinator for SE Qld and is responsible for supervising the members of the Care Coordination teams in South East Qld, and also provides HIV expertise and advice to staff when required, particularly in the social determinants of health.
Regional Coordinator - Cent/Nth Qld
Chris Howard is the Regional Coordinator for Cent/Nth Qld and is responsible for supervising the members of the Care Coordination teams in Central/North Qld, and also provides HIV expertise and advice to staff when required, particularly in the social determinants of health.
Systems & Quality Coordinator
Karen Porter is the Systems & Quality Coordinator and is located in the Brisbane office with a state-wide responsibility. Karen coordinates all quality improvement activities for the program, and provides assistance to the State Manager and Regional Coordinators in the areas of operational planning and best practice.
Systems & Quality Officer
Armand von Stein is the Systems & Quality Officer and is located in the Brisbane office. Armand assists the Systems & Quality Coordinator.
Mental Health Advisor
Gillian Meteyard is the Mental Health Advisor for Positive Directions has a state-wide responsibility and is located in our Brisbane office. The role is responsible for facilitating access to psychology, counselling and mental health services throughout Queensland, participating in care-coordination of clients and providing direction and advice to staff in regards to the management of clients with potential and/or identified mental health issues. The Mental Health Advisor is also responsible for providing education and advice to other health care providers throughout Queensland regarding HIV and mental health. You can find out more by downloading the Mental Health Advisor fact sheet.
Nutrition Advisor
K.C. Go is the Nutrrition Advisor for Positive Directions has a state-wide responsibility and is located in our Brisbane office. The role is responsible for facilitating access to nutrition services throughout Queensland, participating in care-coordination of clients and providing direction and advice to staff in regards to the management of clients with potential and/or identified nutritional issues. The Nutrition Advisor is also responsible for providing education and advice to dietitians and other health care providers throughout Queensland regarding nutrition and HIV. You can find out more by downloading the Nutirtion Advisor fact sheet.
Community Nurse
There are five community nurses in the program. The role of the community nurse is to consider clinical issues associated with HIV (such as medication compliance, co-morbidity issues, CD4 count, and more). You can find out more by downloading the Community nurse fact sheet. Our Community Nurses are:
Client Liaison Officers
There are seven client liaison officers in the program – each with a work history in community service and/or social determinants of health. You can find out more by downloading the Client Liaison Officer role fact sheet.
The role of the client liaison officer is to consider: (1) life skill development (such as emotional support, social support, advocacy, education); (2) networking and community development; (3) referral to providers. Our Client Liaison Officers are:
- Tammy Rudduck (Brisbane North)
- Mark Hurley (Brisbane South)
- Jude O'Day (Brisbane Metropolitan)
- Marlene Dalton (Cairns)
- Sandy Reynolds (Gold Coast)
- Sue Gilling (Sunshine Coast)
- Belinda Jobst (Townsville)