• Exciting Part time (0.5 FTE) Fixed term (30/06/2022) Intake and Bridging Support Worker opportunity in Shepparton
• 72k annual salary (pro rata) + Superannuation + Salary packaging benefits + leave loading

About Wellways

We are a values-based organisation. We stand for Honesty, Acceptance, Fairness, Commitment and Participation. Wellways Australia is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring all Australians lead active and fulfilling lives in their community. We work with individuals, families and the community to help them imagine and achieve better lives. We advocate for change to ensure people have access to the best possible care and information when they need it. We provide a wide range of services and assistance for people with mental health issues, disabilities, youth and older Australians and those requiring community care.

About the program

The Youth Outreach Recovery Service (YORS) is a psychosocial support model for young people aged 16-25 years who have mental illness and other complexities. It will provide support to young people pre and post entry to a Youth Residential Rehabilitation (YRR) service and as an alternative to a YRR placement. The program is hands on and flexible, with a range of day and afternoon shifts available (between 8am and 8pm). It will allow participants access to groups from the YRR program, training in life skills and general support. The participants are empowered to choose their own recovery journey in order to achieve their goals.

About the role

The Bridging and Intake worker will be responsible for receiving and actioning incoming referrals either from a central intake point or a warm referral for existing participants in the YRR program, completing an initial assessment, (entry Recovery Star, LSP-16 and Individual Participant Plan) either over the phone or in person with the participant, the intake worker will be responsible for allocating eligible participants to a YORS recovery worker for support based on needs and assessment. The bridging and intake worker may need to provide a brief intervention or support if a young person is awaiting on a bed vacancy into the Youth Residential Program.

The bridging and intake worker will work closely alongside the YORS Recovery Workers, Program and Peer Workers in the existing Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service and Coordinator. The intake and bridging worker may need to deliver the service to participants in an outreach model, in the home, office or in the community. The service is recovery oriented and achieving best outcomes for participants; using the basis-32, Outcomes STAR model, Individual Participants Plans IPP, life Skills Profile (LSP-16) assessment, self- care plans and intentional peer support. The service is participant - centred, family and carer inclusive, collaborative and integrated with community and clinical services.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Engage participants, their families and friends in the program where appropriate and develop professional and trusting working relationships
• Utilise lived experience according to the tasks and principles of Intentional Peer Support (IPS)
• Conduct regular face to face support visits to connect with the person and to monitor and offer support around key areas
• Assist participants to identify areas of need using key assessment and outcomes measurement tools - Basis - 32, Outcomes STAR model, Individual Living Plan ILP, Life Skill Profile LSP16 and as required drug and alcohol screening tools
• Encourage and assist participants to access drug and alcohol supports
• Educate and inform participants with strategies to implement harm reduction
• Support participants to identify strategies for relapse prevention

Skills & experience:

• Relevant qualifications or commensurate experience in working in a support role for Youth with mental health issues and dual diagnoses. generally, a Diploma qualification or above
• Proven experience in working in the youth mental health sector.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in working within programs for youth with complex support needs who may also experience associated risk factors such as substance abuse, rough sleeping or self-harm
• An understanding of recovery and how social inclusion principles are applied to service delivery
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a way that ensures maximum participation of participants
• An ability to establish effective partnerships and collaboration including liaison, mediation, negotiation and consultation
• Commitment to best practice
• Understanding of the NDIS and service models
• An ability to work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and individuals particularly the local indigenous community

Desirable:

• Prior experience working within the Mental Health, dual diagnosis or community-based organisation
• Prior experience working with youth/young adults

Pre-employment compliance requirements:

• Evidence of working rights within Australia
• Current drivers' licence with the ability to undertake travel across the Murray region
• Satisfactory National Police Records Check
• Working with Children Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/workers/support-for-workers/training-course

How to Apply

To apply and to download a copy of the position description please click Apply Now below.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Gemma Marchant, YRR & YORS Coordinator on 03 5822 8661.

Applications close 9th July 2021.

We warmly encourage people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a lived experience of mental health and disability to apply. Wellways Australia Limited is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. All applicants applying for roles within Wellways must undergo a screening process prior to their successful appointment. ​