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 PLWHA in Queensland. Vince also oversees the implementation of the Strategic Plan for all regions of Positive Directions.
Administration Officers – Reception
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 site. Our Administration officers are:
- Rita Bruce (Office Coordinator, statewide)
- Sarah Plummer (Administration Officer)
- Dean Maxwell (Gold Coast)
HIV Coordinator
Chris Howard is the Interim HIV Coordinator and is responsible for supervising the members of the Care Coordination teams around the state, and also provides HIV expertise and advice to staff when required, particularly in clinical aspects of care and the social determinants of health.
Resource Coordinator
Jacqui de la Rue is the Resource Coordinator, and is located in the Brisbane office with a state-wide responsibility. She is responsible for the program’s database and education folder, resource distribution and development, as well as maintaining the program's website. Jacqui also develops working parties around the state, and is responsible for the program's brochures, newsletters, and other fact sheets for PLWHA. Lastly, Jacqui prepares reports for Queensland Health, develops policies and processes for the program, and also oversees the Client Care Fund.
Mental Health Advisor
Kim Voll is the Mental Health Advisor for Positive Directions has a state-wide responsibility and is located in our Brisbane office. Kim commences with the team on March the 12th. 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.
Nutrition Advisor
Rachel Roth 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.
Care Coordinators
There are four care coordinators in the program – all are registered nurses. The role of the care coordinator is to consider clinical issues associated with HIV (such as medication compliance, co-morbidity issues, CD4 count, etc). Our Care Coordinators 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. We are currently recruiting for the CLO role in Brisbane North.
The role of the client liaison officer is to consider: (1) life skill development (such as emotional support, social support, advocacy, transport, education); (2) networking and community development; (3) referral to providers. Our Client Liaison Officers are:
- Cameron Robertson (Brisbane South)
- Seanna Keeley (Brisbane North)
- Lisa Wojciechowski (Brisbane Metropolitan)
- Nikki Smith (Cairns)
- Sandy Reynolds (Gold Coast)
- Chris Howard (SunshineCoast)
- Bronwyn Davis (Townsville)