Care Navigator (50D)

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service based in Bunbury which provides a variety of health services to Aboriginal people in the South West, Great South, Upper Wheatbelt and Peel Regions of Western Australia. SWAMS delivers a wide range of services including GP Clinics, Primary Health Care, Counselling and Mental Health. SWAMS has a strong growth strategy through partnership opportunities and future community development.

SWAMS is dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This position is designated under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), and as such, only Aboriginal people are eligible to apply.

We’re seeking a Care Navigator to deliver responsive, culturally appropriate wrap-around support for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation including those who have survived a suicide attempt or are at imminent risk. The Care Navigator will provide holistic, evidence-informed care across health, social, and community systems, ensuring safety, continuity, and compassionate engagement. They will complete warm referrals, intakes, assessments, safety plans, risk management, clinical coordination of care plans, case review, advocacy, and exit planning.

This is an ongoing Full-Time Permanent position.

This role has varied responsibilities, including:

• Provide trauma informed, culturally safe engagement and assessment within a timely manner after receival of referral.
• Conduct risk assessments, safety plans and co create care plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local services and facilitate warm handover as required.
• Coordinate wrap around care across health and social systems.
• Deliver follow up and outreach during high-risk periods.
• Facilitate and advocate for culturally appropriate pathways.
• Escalate care in imminent risk situations.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in Communicare.
• Travel as required across the South West catchment area.
• Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients and their families at all times.
• Participate in and contribute to the fulfilment of operational needs of the organisation as they arise
• Participate in research activities within the services as required.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and compliance with all SWAMS policies and procedures.
• Participate in maintaining a safe working environment.
• Participate in performance appraisals and be responsible for contributing to own professional development.
• Attend and participate in the professional development program and relevant external seminars and conferences, as approved.
• Uphold the Code of Conduct and ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, while promoting a child-safe environment and act in line with SWAMS’ child safeguarding policies and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Employment is subject to child-safeguarding checks and where required, a Working With Children Card.

About You

• Must hold a Tertiary Qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Mental Health, Psychology or related discipline
• Experience in suicide prevention, crisis intervention or mental health
• Have an integrated understanding of the historical context of Aboriginal people.
• Extensive knowledge of the impacts of past removal policies on Aboriginal people and communities, and the impacts of intergenerational trauma.
• Must reside in the South West of W.A. and have local knowledge about the community.
• Competence in risk assessment, safety planning and care coordination.
• Completion of recognised suicide specific frameworks or willingness to complete within three months (training is supported by SWAMS)
• Demonstrated experience in developing relationships within a multidisciplinary team, clients, carers and external agencies and stakeholders.
• Ability to drive to outreach to the Greater Bunbury and South West regions.
• Currently hold or able to obtain a National Police Clearance
• Holds a Current WA C or CA Class drivers’ licence
• Currently hold or able to obtain a Working with Children Check

Desirable Criteria

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are highly encouraged to apply
• Trained in suicide specific frameworks (IASIST, ASIST, SafeTALK, CALM, Gatekeeper)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid
• Experience in outreach work
• Experience in postvention

Why SWAMS?

Along with working with passionate people and being able to feel like you have contributed to something every day, SWAMS offers the following:

• 17.5% leave loading
• Up to $18,550 salary packaging options and novated leasing options
• Discounted gym memberships
• Uniforms supplied
• Generous leave allowances
• Professional development opportunities

Important information

At SWAMS, child safety is our highest priority. We are committed to the wellbeing of all children and young people, with zero tolerance for abuse. All team members have a legal and moral duty to ensure a safe environment and are required to undergo a National Police Clearance. Roles involving direct contact with children also require a valid WA Working with Children Check as part of our pre-employment screening.

In addition to this, all applicants require satisfactory completion of a Drug and Alcohol test. Unsatisfactory pre-employment checks will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

For more information about SWAMS and the role

• About SWAMS, our great organisation – https://www.swams.com.au/about/
• For queries – please contact Human Resources on (08) 9797 8111.

To Apply

To apply for this role please follow the online application process of this platform or email your application through to hr@swams.com.au. We also welcome you to drop your resume to our office at 30 Wellington Street, Bunbury.