Aftercare Support Worker (Identified) - Illawarra / Shoalhaven

About the Role

• Waminda outreach sites as required (Illawarra & Shoalhaven)
• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award - Level 4
• Part-time - 21 hours per week

Waminda is seeking a compassionate and community-focused Aftercare Support Worker to join our Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) team. This is a meaningful frontline role supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people following a suicide attempt, suicidal crisis, or after the loss of a loved one to suicide.

Working alongside SEWB Practitioners, Counsellors, and the Strong Yawa team, you will provide culturally safe, trauma-informed aftercare support that walks with people through some of their most vulnerable moments. This role is about connection, care, and continuity — helping people feel supported, linked in with services, and not alone in their healing journey.

You will also support the strengthening of referral pathways across Aboriginal and mainstream mental health, health, and community services across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide culturally safe aftercare support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals following suicide-related crises or bereavement
• Work within a co-designed service model guided by NACCHO’s National Model of Care and community priorities
• Walk alongside clients and families to provide emotional support, follow-up, and care coordination
• Support clients to connect with appropriate services including GP clinics, hospitals, AOD services, schools, police, funeral services, and mental health providers
• Build and maintain strong referral pathways across Aboriginal Community Controlled and mainstream services
• Work collaboratively with SEWB practitioners and multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care
• Participate in the Aftercare Community of Practice to share learning, strengthen service delivery, and contribute to best practice
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records and reporting requirements
• Collect and report service data in line with funding and program requirements
• Identify and report workplace risks, hazards, and safety concerns
• Support continuous improvement of aftercare service delivery through feedback and reflection

What We're Looking For

• Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT40113) or equivalent experience
• Experience in mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, community services, or suicide prevention support
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, crisis support, and culturally safe practice
• Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgemental, client-centred support
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to engage respectfully with clients, families, and services
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and electronic client record systems
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Understanding of confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries
• Commitment to Aboriginal health, Primary Health Care principles, and community-led care
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development
• Experience in administration or reporting tasks is highly regarded

Please kindly note, all applicants for this position must identify as both female and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: an applicant's gender and race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under sections 14(d) and 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Successful applicants will be required to provide Confirmation of Aboriginality as part of the recruitment process.

What We Offer

At Waminda, we know this is deeply important work — and we are committed to supporting you to do it well. In this role, you will be part of a strong and supportive Social and Emotional Wellbeing team working within a culturally safe Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. You will have access to additional benefits, such as salary packaging, paid wellbeing time and ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Meaningful work supporting healing and recovery in community
• Supportive team environment with regular supervision and debriefing
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• A culturally grounded workplace committed to wellbeing, respect, and care
• Most importantly, you will be part of a service that walks alongside community with compassion, cultural strength, and respect.

Why Join Waminda

• Be part of a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation grounded in culture, healing, and self-determination
• Support life-changing Social and Emotional Wellbeing and aftercare services
• Work in a multidisciplinary team alongside experienced SEWB practitioners
• Contribute to suicide prevention and healing-focused community care
• Access ongoing learning, supervision, and professional development
• Work in a values-driven environment centred on respect, cultural safety, and connection
• Make a real impact in Aboriginal communities across Illawarra and Shoalhaven

How to Apply

Please submit your application via Employment Hero by clicking the "Apply Now" button, including your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role.

Applications for this position will close on the advertised closing date.

If you would like further information on this position, please reach out to peopleandculture@waminda.org.au using the subject line: Aftercare Support Worker (Identified) - Illawarra / Shoalhaven enquiry via EthicalJobs.