Aboriginal Mental Health Worker

Position Profile: Works as a member of the multidisciplinary regional mental health team and enhance the accessibility of mental health services to Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

This is a Permanent Full Time appointment.

Area Profile: WACHS Wheatbelt spans 155,000 square kilometres, encompassing six Aboriginal lands and language groups. From Jurien Bay on the coast to Southern Cross in the East, Dalwallinu in the north, and Lake Grace in the south, the region offers extensive opportunities. Health services include emergency and inpatient care, outpatient medical, nursing, and allied health services, as well as cancer, renal, palliative, rehabilitation, aged care, mental health, public health, health promotion, and child, school, and community health services. District hospitals in Narrogin, Northam, Merredin, and Moora, along with 35 smaller community hospitals and health centres, ensure comprehensive care across the region. With a strong community spirit and diverse career prospects, WACHS Wheatbelt is ideal for living, working, and exploring.

Suitability Criteria:

Suitability recognises that a range of factors contribute to merit, including skills, knowledge, abilities, behaviours, ethical alignment and relevant operational requirements. The suitability requirements below are derived from the Job Description Form and define what will be assessed to determine your suitability for the role:

1. Pursuant to section 50D of the Equal Opportunities Act, the occupant of this position must be of Aboriginal descent.
2. Demonstrated working knowledge of Aboriginal family structures and ability to apply this understanding effectively to enhance support for Aboriginal clients accessing the service.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, customs, and history, with a demonstrated ability to recognise and address their impact on Aboriginal clients accessing the service.
4. Demonstrated ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team and the capacity to contribute to adequate care coordination tailored to the needs of Aboriginal clients.
5. An understanding of the practical emotional impact of mental disorders on children, young people, and their families.
6. Effective communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal people.
7. Experience in working with children and adolescents with serious mental health disorders.
8. In possession of a C or C-A Class Drivers’ licence.

Eligibility to Apply: Pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Aboriginal descent. 
 
Employee Benefits: In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):

• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information on superannuation click here

• Access to generous salary packaging arrangements
• Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance
• Flexible working arrangements
• Flexible leave arrangements
• Other professional and location based allowances

For Further Job Related Information: We encourage you to contact Kevin Fitzgerald on 08 9621 0***.

Applicants are required to provide:

• A statement addressing the suitability criteria, (maximum 3 pages) outlining your skills, experience, knowledge and what you will bring to the role
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) summarising your relevant experience and ability to meet the position requirements
• The names and contact details of two (2) professional referees, preferably including your current or most recent manager

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation.

Further information about the role, including key duties please see the Job Description Form (available online at www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au). 

WA Health embraces diversity and is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We are committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.  WA Health supports flexible working practices within the context of a quality health service. WA Health is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.

Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal record screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.

Please note this recruitment process requires completion of satisfactory Pre-Employment Health Assessment (PEHA).  Any offer of employment with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is conditional on satisfactory PEHA to ensure you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the position. An unsatisfactory PEHA will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.  Please see the attached WACHS PEHA Policy for further information.

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for other ‘similar’ vacancies within WACHS and/or the wider WA public sector. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.

Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted.
 
LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.