Professional Development
Professional Development, Clinical and Cultural Supervision, Mentoring, Self-Care (PDSMS) Program: Empowering Our Communities through Workforce Development and Support
At Wakai Waian Healing, we are committed to enhancing the mental health and social-emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise the dedication of countless professionals in this field while acknowledging the critical shortage of qualified mental health and SEWB workers from these communities.
To address this urgent need, we have developed a comprehensive framework to support organisations and communities in building a dedicated workforce equipped to tackle our people’s unique challenges. Our commitment to nurturing an internal mental health workforce strengthens our organisation and enriches the broader community.
Introducing Our Mental Health Worker Trainee Program
At the core of our mission is the Mental Health Worker Trainee Program, a unique initiative designed to cultivate a new generation of skilled and culturally competent mental health professionals. This program is not just about training; it’s a transformative journey of personal and professional growth. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Our program emphasises culturally safe practices and experiential learning, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and leadership. Through mentorship and collaboration with professional associations and educational institutions, our trainees gain invaluable insights and experiences, preparing them to meet the complex mental health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Journey of Growth and Healing
Participating in our program offers a wealth of benefits, including:
- Engaging in personal healing processes
- Building resilience and professional competence
- Understanding strengths and limitations
- Developing advocacy and leadership skills
As trainees progress from Certificate to Diploma and tertiary-level qualifications, they embody vital characteristics such as humility, compassion, innovation, and courage. We provide a supportive environment that encourages self-reflection and development, helping them navigate the challenges of this journey.
Ed Mosby, our CEO and Founder, reflects on the importance of mutual support: “I can genuinely thank my colleagues for the times I have leaned on you and when we have leaned on each other.” This spirit enhances both individual wellbeing and organisational effectiveness.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Through our unwavering focus on self-care, mentoring, and professional growth, we are revolutionising our workforce and uplifting the communities we serve. We invite you to embark on this transformative journey with us, fostering healing, resilience, and a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Unlock Your Potential in Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Wakai Waian Healing (WWH), our PDSMS Program is designed to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals through comprehensive training and support, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Program Objectives
Enhance Workforce Capacity:
Build the skills and capabilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health professionals.
- Increase Access to Opportunities: Provide access to professional development, supervision, mentoring, and self-care resources.
- Improve Service Delivery: Enhance the quality of mental health and wellbeing services offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Program Features
- Trainee Pathways: Support trainees in advancing from certificates and diplomas to formal tertiary qualifications.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Partner with existing scholarship and cadetship programs to amplify opportunities for our trainees.
- Cost-Effective Development: Leverage established professional development resources while recognising the inherent strengths of trainees.
Specialised Skill Development:
This programme focuses on skills tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Future Employability: Equip trainees with competencies that enhance their employability in the mental health sector.
- Safety and Ethics: Ensure all training and practice adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines.
Building Capability and Capacity
Our PDSMS Program integrates critical components of professional development, practice supervision, self-care, and mentoring. This holistic approach fosters a supportive environment that enhances trainees’ professional practice, enabling them to thrive in their roles and feel secure in their learning journey.
Competency Framework
Trainees will complete a series of competencies that assess their skills and knowledge in areas critical to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including:
- Understanding Health Influences
- Practice Standards and Ethics
- Assessment and Intervention Techniques
- Family and Community Focus
Selection Process
Our rigorous selection process ensures that only the most motivated and genuine candidates join the PDSMS Program. Trainees must commit to their studies and practice, focusing on personal growth and community healing, demonstrating the seriousness and dedication required for the program.
Hear from Our Leaders
Edward Mosby, Principal Psychologist: “Our goal is to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers to be part of the solution, equipped with the knowledge and resilience to make a difference.”
Gil Thomsen, Senior Counsellor: “We aim to create dynamic, adaptable workers who provide the highest quality of care to their communities.”
Get Involved
Interested in joining our program? Complete the relevant form link to express your interest:
Feedback / Compliments / Complaints
Wakai Waian Healing is committed to providing an effective, responsive, safe, culturally respectful service. If you have any feedback, you wish to provide our service this can be done by contacting us.
Further Information or Questions
Freecall: 1800 732 850 or Email: enquiries@wakai-waian.com.au
Your contact with us is treated as confidential and we respect your rights to private, confidential and safe service. Further information on our Privacy confidentiality and Information Management Policies can be requested via the above details.
Funding Support
WWH would like to acknowledge the funding support provided by the Central Queensland Wide Bay Sunshine Coast PHN for facilitating and running the WWH PDSMS Program in Central Queensland.