Strengthening interventions to address the health needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in South Western Sydney

This industry co-funded PhD scholarship offers the opportunity to investigate the effectiveness of interventions that address the health needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in South Western Sydney. Health services across Australia are facing challenges in providing effective services to the increasing numbers of people who are at risk of homelessness. People experiencing homelessness have poorer health, greater disability, and earlier mortality compared to the general population. Homelessness is highly prevalent and growing across South Western Sydney with some areas (e.g. Fairfield, Bankstown) experiencing higher rates than the Greater Sydney region. This project provides much needed evidence about how health services can plan and deliver health services to the needs of homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, including working with other sectors. The successful candidate will be embedded both in the International Centre for Future Health Systems (UNSW) and South Western Sydney Local Health District, Population Health. The PhD provides unique opportunities for an applied research career focussed on addressing health equity through policy and practice. 

University Partner: International Centre for Future Health Systems, UNSW Sydney

Industry Partner: South Western Sydney Local Health District.

The PhD will be housed at SWSLHD and based at Liverpool for .5 across the 4 years.

We seek a highly motivated candidate with:

• Skills in one or more disciplines including: public health (especially equity and the determinants of health), health services research or public administration, and if possible interconnections between the health system and people at risk of homelessness. Specific skills can include statistical analysis, qualitative methods, policy and / or systems analysis.
• Interest in social justice and equity with a policy / organisational / systems lens will be highly regarded.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a deep interest in equity for vulnerable populations in regions like South Western Sydney.

The stipend will be ~$48,000 which includes a UNSW scholarship, plus a $10,000 top up from the South West Sydney Local Health District. Additional top ups are available to apply for.

How to apply:

For more information about this project please contact Patrick Harris (patrick.harris@unsw.edu.au)