Key job details
- Location: Thursday Island
- Job Type: Clincial
- Hours: Full Time - Fixed Term Contract
Salary: TBA dependent on qualifications and experience- (+ 11% Superannuation + 17.5% Annual Leave Load)
Other Benefits a. Four (4) weeks annual leave;
b. Flexible work hours;
c. Specialist skill development opportunities; and
d. Regular Specialist Supervision/Mentoring.
Closing Date/Time 17 June 2024
Wakai Waian Healing (WWH)
At its core WWH acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures have great strengths that promote healing. While WWH provides services to the general community it specialises in providing services that focus on promoting the mental health/social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Further information on WWH can be found at www.wakai- waian.com.au.
Our Mission/Principles/ Ways of working
For details on our mission, and our guiding principles and ways of working see our website.
Company Objectives
The main objective of WWH is the supported healing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through the following;
a. The direct provision of Psychology and Counselling services;
b. Building and enhancing the capacity of community based support services;
c. The co-ordination of mental health/social and emotional wellbeing services;
d. The promotion of best practice in the delivery of mental health/social and emotional wellbeing services; and
e. Enhancement and development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health/social and emotional wellbeing workforce.
Wakai Waian Healing Thursday Island Office
This position will be located in our Wakai Waian Healing Thursday Island/(Waiben) Office which is located on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait.
At this site employees are provided with dedicated lunch and tea rooms, administration support, all office facilities, counselling and therapy rooms, Computers and Office equipment provided, internet and office supplies. This position is co-located with other programs and Psychology, Counselling and
Mental Health Worker services as provided by Wakai Waian Healing.
Role Purpose
This position reports to the Team Leader at the TI based WWH Office. The role of this position is to undertake duties and tasks as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing/Mental Health Worker in delivery of therapeutic services to the local communities within the Torres Strait.
The successful applicant will possess formal mental health qualifications OR minimum Certificate IV qualifications in a health-related area (and a willingness to complete a Certificate IV in Mental Health part-time) and participate in professional development in the delivery of mental health/social and emotional wellbeing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Torres Strait Region.
This position will be embedded within a specialised mentoring and supervision program designed to provide enhanced capability and professional capacity for the delivery of the above services. This formal training is further embedded within a work schedule, which includes the direct supported and supervised delivery of mental health/social and emotional wellbeing focused services.
Position Expected Tasks
Successful applicants will be expected to undertake the following tasks;
a. Participate in a specialised mental health/social and emotional wellbeing mentoring and supervision program via in-person and/or video conference modes;
b. Under supervision, deliver healing services for consumers experiencing mild to moderate mental health/social and emotional wellbeing challenges.
c. Working within a team and with support and supervision and in collaboration with other services and community members, enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate, safe and responsive mental health/social and emotional wellbeing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
d. Work within a multi-disciplinary team environment within WWH;
e. Working within a team and with support and supervision, develop links and collaborate in partnership with a range of stakeholders including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations, Government and non- Government services, community members and mainstream services;
f. Working within a team and with support and supervision apply knowledge of best practice in the delivery of culturally competent mental health/social and emotional wellbeing services in support of community need;
g. Represent WWH as required in networking, promotion and education activities;
h. Provide support to consumers during the delivery of mental health/social and emotional wellbeing services including clinical review processes, case-focused liaison with professionals at all levels working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, including participation in case conferences;
i. Develop and deliver mental health/social and emotional wellbeing promotion, prevention, early intervention and relapse prevention programmes within the community; and
j. Other duties as required and negotiated.
Position Expected Skills
The successful applicant is expected to possess the following skills;
a. Have completed a minimum Certificate IV in Mental Health (or minimum Certificate IV in a relevant Health related area and willingness to study Mental Health part time)
a. Ability to effectively use a variety of technologies including, Mobile Phones, computers, computer-based programs, and internet Applications.
b. Ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks within time constraints;
c. Effective verbal and written communication skills (experience writing case notes would be highly valued) ;
d. Understanding of recovery focused principles, undertake diverse community engagement in a culturally safe and respectful manner;
e. Ability to connect with new and existing programs to deliver a joined-up approach for activities like social and emotional wellbeing support, suicide prevention and alcohol and other drug services;
f. Co-ordinate and provide linking services for carers and family of consumers;
g. Understand cultural forms of healing or be willing to undertake professional development activities to develop this; and
h. Awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture within Australia’s history, knowledge of cultural sensitivities and current issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal people in conjunction with a willingness to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values into clinical practice and service delivery;
Essential Requirements
Successful applicants are expected to possess the following;
a. Some demonstrated willingness and ability to consult and collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government and non-government agencies, and mainstream services to improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders;
b. Some demonstrated knowledge of the causes of poor mental health/social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
c. Some demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the local health needs and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Torres Strait Island region;
d. Some demonstrated knowledge or willingness to learn about the key State/Territory and Federal policies and resources on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health/ social and emotional wellbeing;
e. Some demonstrated willingness and ability to develop and implement innovative solutions that are culturally sensitive;
f. Some demonstrated willingness and ability to communicate well (written and verbal) with diverse target groups and work with diverse stakeholders;
g. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
h. Demonstrated experience in the delivery of healing focused services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
i. Demonstrated ability to actively participate in a working environment supporting quality human resource management practices including employment equity, anti- discrimination, occupational health and safety, and ethical behaviour.
Personal attributes
Successful applicants are expected to possess the following;
a. Excellent engagement skills with a proven ability to build collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external partners and stakeholders;
b. Ability to work within an environment requiring cultural sensitivity;
c. The qualities of energy, initiative, commitment to teamwork, collaboration and respect for others;
d. Willingness to work well in a flexible, emerging environment and deliver innovative outcomes;
e. Good self-care practices and stress management skills to enable maintenance of personal mental health/social and emotional wellbeing and resilience;
f. Willingness to be accountable and take a proactive approach to work health and safety, specifically taking responsibility for the health and safety of self and others; and
g. Passion about enhancing the mental health/social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Other Expectations
The following are additional expectations of successful candidates;
a. Prepare written documentation including basic reports, presentations, speeches, publications and correspondence for consideration by the larger WWH organisation; b. Participate in WWH service team meetings as required;
c. Productively and effectively participate in the performance of Wakai Waian Healing specific programs;
d. Advocate for the needs of the Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing/Mental Health workforce in a variety of forums and locations across WWH service region;
e. Have demonstrated experience with working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rural, remote and regional areas; and
f. Be willing to work with males and females of a variety of ages.
Additional Requirements
The following is a list of additional requires of potential successful candidates;
a. Must be willing to fly long distances in small charter or service planes;
b. Must be willing on occasions to traveling short distances via boat; and
c. Hold a C Class, open drivers licence;
Additional Information
a. Pre-employment screening, including criminal history and discipline history checks, may be undertaken on persons recommended for employment;
b. At WWH roles providing health, counselling and support services which may include children will require a Blue Card, unless otherwise exempt;
c. Applicants may be required to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury which may impact on their ability to perform the role;
d. Employees who are permanently appointed to WWH are required to undertake a period of probation appropriate to the appointment;
e. It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated/immune against the following Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) during their employment: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), pertussis (whooping cough). A VPD Evidence Form must be provided to WWH prior to the commencement of duties;
f. Certified copies of the required information must be provided prior to the commencement of duties;
g. Candidates must provide certified copies of requested proof of identity documents for the purposes of general Criminal history and National Police Certificate checks; and
h. Relevant to the position, participate in the ongoing education, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of safety and quality initiatives relevant to The National Standards for Mental Health Services and the Human Services Quality Standards.
Preferred but not Essential Experience
While not essential, preference may be provided to candidates that can demonstrate experience working in partnership or collaborations with the following entities;
a. Queensland Governments Department of Communities and Child Safety;
b. Queensland Governments Education Department;
c. Queensland Governments Hospital and Health Services;
d. Queensland Governments Department of Corrective services; and
e. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled organisations.
How to Apply
Please provide the following information to assess your suitability:
a. Your current CV or resume, including referees. You must seek approval prior to nominating a person as a referee. Referees should have a thorough knowledge of your work performance and conduct, and it is preferable to include your current/immediate past supervisor. By providing the names and contact details of your referee/s you consent for these people to be contacted by the selection panel. If you do not wish for a referee to be contacted, please indicate this on your CV or resume.
b. Submit your application online via workforcelead@wakai-waian.com.au or hand deliver to the WWH TI Office at 40 Douglas St Thursday Island, by the closing date.
c. Any questions or requests for additional information during the application process can be sent to elginadhillon@wakai-waian.com.au or by contacting the WWH TI Office on (07) 4090 3705 or Freecall 1800 732 850.
d. Eligible submissions will be offered an opportunity to participate in a face-to-face interview either via videoconference or in person.