Career Pathways - Why Choose Congress

What are my Career Opportunities at Congress?
Why choose Congress?
What working conditions are offered at Congress?
Does Congress offer any ongoing Training Support?
How can I lodge an Expression of Interest?
Information for Overseas Doctors
Who can I contact for more information?

What Career Opportunities are at Congress?

As Congress is an Aboriginal Primary Health Care service provider, our jobs are varied and can range from administrative to professional fields. At times, Congress has opportunities available either on a Permanent, Limited Term or Casual basis in the following employment categories;

If there is no current position available in your specialist field or that meets your availability, you are still encouraged to lodge an expression of interest online, and our Recruitment Officer will make contact to discuss any employment options with you.

Any expression of interest lodged with Congress will remain current on file for a maximum of 12months.

Resumes on file are referred to from time to time as positions arise within Congress, and you may be contacted if a vacant job matches your skills, experience and/or qualifications.

Resumes will be destroyed after 12months in a confidential manner. 

If you do not wish for your Resume to remain on file for the 12 month period, please notify the Recruitment Officer in writing.

Why Choose Congress?

Congress is the largest and oldest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in the Northern Territory and provides:

• A comprehensive primary health care service to the Aboriginal Community of Alice Springs, and to outstations within a 100km radius of the town.
• Auspice services to 4 remote Health Care Zones in the Northern Territory, and
• Operates Ampe Kenhe Apmere; also known as Congress Child Care which is a fully licensed and accredited Multi-Functional Aboriginal Child Care Centre.

Congress provides a general medical practice with 10 medical officers and 15 Aboriginal Health Worker positions in a strong supportive environment.  We have a wide range of comprehensive primary health care services including:

• Medical clinic (7-Day Service),
• Community Health Program (CHP),
• Alukura - Women’s Health and Birthing Centre,
• Dental Clinic,
• Headspace – Central Australia
• Male Health, and
• Social and Emotional Well-being programs

Our Community Health Program (CHP) is the outreach arm of Congress primary health care services.  The CHP currently runs 5 programs;
Child Services Team (that includes immunisations and School health)

• Hearing Program,
• Chronic Disease Program,
• Nutrition and Diabetes program, and;
• Frail Aged and Disabilities (FAAD) Service.

Currently, the organisation employs an average of 225 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff (as at March 2009).

What working conditions are offered at Congress?

Congress is a family friendly employer within a supportive team environment, and just some of the working conditions offered are listed below;

1. Family friendly working conditions,
2. district allowance; EBA2006 rates - $1510 (without dependants), $2770 (with dependants) annually,
3. six (6) weeks annual leave,
4. leave loading is 17.5% and payable on all 6 weeks of annual leave,
5. employer contributions of 9% to Superannuation,
6. salary sacrifice* arrangements available to eligible employees,
7. automatic income protection insurance of up to two (2) years on full pay (conditions apply),
8. 10days sick leave in the first 12months of continuous service, and 15 days for each year thereafter; or entitlement accrued on a pro-rata basis for all part-time workers,
9. remote area leave of three (3) weeks over the year; for employees recruited to live and work in a remote location,
10. supportive arrangements for professional development and study leave,
11. assistance with relocation; refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section,
12. for Casual employees; 25% loading in lieu of entitlements as above, and;
13. all wages are paid weekly.

For more detailed information please refer to our current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

*Salary Sacrifice
In April 2000 the federal government recognised the need of Community Organisations to attract and retain skilled employees.
By capping the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption at $30,000, organisations such as Congress, are now able to offer a significant range of fringe benefits to employees, without the penalties incurred by the private sector.
This allows organisations to minimise their wages bill, while maximising the financial incentives that can be offered to their employees which aids in recruiting new staff and staff retention.

Congress is able to offer the Salary Sacrifice scheme to eligible employees through Community Business Bureau (CBB).

Does Congress offer any on-going Training Support?

Yes, Congress has a comprehensive staff training and development plan which applies to all staff.  The training is designed to ensure that all staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties.

All staff are supported to undertake relevant accredited training to enable them to achieve recognised, industry standard qualifications.  Training is also provided to support the occupational health and safety of all staff.

Under our Aboriginal Training Employment Strategy, Congress also has opportunities in place for Aboriginal staff to pursue career development, with support provided in a variety of ways.

Congress employs a Training Officer to oversee this training, who is available to meet individually with staff to identify training needs and to further support employees after enrolment.

How can I lodge an Expression of Interest?

When lodging your expression you will need to include;

a covering letter outlining your job interest(s),
an up to date Resume, and;
3 current employment referees.

For more information on Congress employment, please also refer to both our ‘Employment Introduction’ and ‘Applying for a Job’ section of this website.

You can lodge your expression of interest via the following;

Post:
Human Resource Recruitment Officer
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress INC
PO Box 1604
ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871

In Person:
WestPoint Complex, Cnr Railway and Stott Terraces
Alice Springs NT 0870

Fax: 08 8953 0350
If you are faxing your application please ensure that the size of the print/font used in your application is big enough (12 point) so that any copies made can be clearly read.

Email:
You can email the Recruitment Officer directly at; hrro@caac.org.au

EMAIL US !!

Information for Overseas Doctors

If you wish to join our team of Professionals here at Congress; you will need to have your registration requirements determined and recognised by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (DHA), the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and State and Territory Health Departments.

Please also consult with General Practice Network NT (GPNNT) who are an organisation that has been established to lead a united and cohesive primary health care network to improve health service delivery and health outcomes in the Northern Territory.

Please note that the Australian Medical Association has no involvement in the process of registration of overseas-trained doctors or recognition of qualifications gained overseas.  You will need to refer to the DHA websitefor further information.

State or Territory AMAs may provide assistance to overseas trained doctors seeking employment in Australia.  Please contact the relevant State or Territory AMA for more information.

Having consulted the relevant body (as above), Medical Officers should EMAILthe Human Resources Recruitment Officer regarding employment with Congress.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you need more information about the application process please contact the Human Resources Recruitment Officer, on 08 8958 3662.

Thank you for your consideration