Careers

With working flexibility, generous salary packaging, and a staff well-being program Doutta Galla ensures staff staff enjoy a supportive team environment, has access to career and professional development, and encourges a strong community spirit amongst its staff.

Doutta Galla is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is a smoke free workplace that is committed to the Prevention of Violence against Women.

Doutta Galla actively attends regular career expos and University open days around Melbourne to encourage volunteers to join Doutta and for graduates to apply for our various roles.

On Tuesday 19 March Doutta Galla presented at the RMIT forum to provide students with information about Doutta Galla career prospects once they graduate .

Human Resources Officer Katrina, said the event was a success, with many students interested and involved in the presentation.

Doutta Galla also had a promotional stand for interested students to ask questions and gain additional information.

This initiative followed a successful appearance by Doutta Galla at the 2012 RMIT Volunteer Expo. This is an annual event aimed at informing students about the benefits of volunteering and providing them with opportunities to gain positions.

( Photo - left to right - HR officer Katrina and Community Development Officer Katherine at the stand).

Kathryn Cirone
Position: Team Leader – Clinical Services, Kensington
Dietitian – Moonee Ponds

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I graduated with a Masters in Nutrition/Dietetics at Deakin University and have been a dietitian for 15 years.

I’ve worked in a range of industries including hospitals, non-government organisations and private practices in the city and western and northern suburbs.

For eight years I also worked with Diabetes Australia.

How did you start working at Doutta Galla?

I have always enjoyed working in community health. I found a position at Doutta Galla while in between jobs and began working part- time at Moonee Ponds.

How long have you been working at Doutta Galla?

For four years. I started part-time and since becoming Team Leader of Clinical Services in July 2012 I have progressed to almost full time work.

What tasks does your position involve on a typical day?

I report to the program manager of clinical and aged care. Day to day I support the clinical services team, which consists of alied health professioanls including physiotherapists, dieticians, podiatrists and occupational therapists.

I really enjoy the multidisciplinary group of people in my team, as it means we have different skills and viewpoints and are able to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

I also consult with clients of all ages at Moonee Ponds. I provide diet and lifestyle information and support to help achieve optimal health outcomes for clients of all ages.

What skills do you need for your type of work?

As Team Leader, everyday I use leadership skills such as listening, organising and a sense of fairness in my decision making. I seek and value the support from my colleagues and also consider Doutta Galla policies when making decisions. Consistency is definitely an important aspect of this.

As a dietitian I need to be up to date on the latest in evidence-based nutrition. Also to practice in a client centred manner and use skills such as motivational interviewing. It is important to be able to work as part of a team, and I also need to be knowledgeable in relevant community services such as exercise groups, social support, and diabetes groups.

What are the challenges of your work?

Definitely the main challenge has to be prioritising projects. We have limited time and money, so it is important to know what projects are worth proceeding with, and which to leave. I guess you could say that summarises life as well!

What do you like most about working at Doutta Galla?

Working with passionate professionals who are dedicated to their jobs.

Amparito Puentes
Position: Team Leader Client Services

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I have worked at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne Hospital and Children’s Hospital before coming to Doutta Galla. I have a long working history in Health.

How did you start working at Doutta Galla?

I got in as a casual at Kensington Community Health as it was called then.

How long have you been working at Doutta Galla?

24 years, I think I am one of the longest serving staff at Doutta Galla!

What tasks does your position involve (typical day)?

I have been Team Leader in Client Services at Niddrie for one and half years now and still share reception duties. There are so many things to do, keep reception going and support and lead approximately ten staff. It’s a busy role.

What skills do you need for your type of work?

Patience, sympathy for clients to try to understand their situation, good listening skills are a must and a wide knowledge of what other courses and programs are happening throughout Moonee Valley and Melbourne to direct clients.

As Team Leader I am also learning supervisory skills and motivational training which I enjoy.

It also comes in handy that I speak Spanish and Italian well and a bit of French with such a diverse range of people accessing our services.

What are the challenges of your work?

Time is always a problem, there’s not enough of it to get through all the tasks and still make sure I have time for my team but I have a lot of support around me and I’m not afraid to ask questions if I need further clarification.

What do you like most about working at Doutta Galla?

I have met so many interesting people through Doutta Galla. It’s the kind of job where you have to love being around all sorts of different people – and I do!

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I have completed my Executive Masters in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and a Diploma in Community Welfare Work.

I am currently studying a Masters in Health Management Part-time in Australia.

How did you start working at Doutta Galla?

I was referred to Doutta Galla by a recruitment agency. It was similar to roles I had done in past.

How long have you been working at Doutta Galla?

Two and half years.

What tasks does your position involve (typical day)?

We meet up in the mornings to discuss consumer visits and catch up on events but that said it’s an independent job. I see about eight to nine clients and we use the Collaborative Recovery Model (CRM) to identify the consumer’s values and strengths, and use these to clarify the life direction the consumer wants their life to take and to plan how to achieve this.

What skills do you need for your type of work?

It’s important to love and be passionate about community work and be non-judgmental of a consumer’s situation whether it involves drugs and alcohol. It is also important to approach in a friendly yet professional manner. I had one consumer that had a relapse and was staying in a Continuing Care Unit but through the CRM model eventually is able to live independently in community, find a job and look after his elderly Mum.

What are the challenges of your work?

It can be quite challenging working with complex clients who have mental Health, drug and alcohol issues and are homeless. It takes time to built report and being patient helps as recovery can be very slow. Through regular supervision and support from team leaders, these challenges can be addressed.

What do you like most about working at Doutta Galla?

I really appreciate being part of the team, we support one another. We have a regular Outreach lunch and do team outings every couple of months and have fun. We are strong together.