• Identified position

About Us

Youth Focus is a for-purpose organisation that creates brighter futures for young people in Western Australia by offering a range of no-cost mental health services. Established in 1994, Youth Focus delivers innovative and accessible mental health services and programs across Western Australia to help at-risk young people aged 12 to 25. A key component of this is our role as the lead agency for a number of headspace centres.

• Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker - NEW POSITION!
• Meekatharra location
• Part-time role (0.5FTE)
• This position commences ASAP
• FIFO arrangement (1 week on / 1 week off)
• Fixed-term contract until June 2024, with extension in line with funding

About the Role

The Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing (ASEW) Worker will be responsible for promoting social and emotional wellbeing whilst providing culturally safe and appropriate support to young people accessing Youth Focus within the Meekatharra community.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Provide culturally safe and appropriate counselling and support to young people, including individuals, families, and groups using the SEWB model of care.
• Support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, including mental health professionals and other service providers in Meekatharra, to ensure coordinated care for clients and their families.
• Advocate for the social and emotional wellbeing needs of young people, minimising cultural and other barriers to accessing services, including Youth Focus services.
• Facilitate culturally appropriate narrative therapy, art therapy, group therapy, including yarning circles, men's/women's groups (as appropriate), and other relevant youth group activities.
• Facilitate community engagement and education activities to promote social and emotional wellbeing and reduce stigma around mental health.
• Review partnerships ideas, initiatives, and resources developed by the team to ensure they are community and culturally safe, informed, appropriate and align with Meekatharra Youth Focus standards.
• Represent Youth Focus at external events and network meetings and attend community events to strengthen relationships with local stakeholders and young people.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation of support and therapy provided including completion of timely case notes and calendar updates, within approved software systems.

This position is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position. Pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity act 1984, only suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates will be considered.

About You

To be the successful applicant for this position, you will have:

• Extensive experience and passion for working with Aboriginal people in a regional and remote environment.
• Local knowledge and experience in the Meekatharra and/or Murchison region (highly desirable).
• Knowledge and understanding of the health and welfare issues affecting at-risk young people and their families.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing model of care.
• Tertiary level qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Nursing or equivalent.
• Registration with relevant professional body - e.g., AHPRA, AASW, ACA.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in conducting risk assessments, including assessment of suicide risk, developing safety plans to mitigate risks, and providing follow up support and referral for treatment as indicated.
• Experience with community development projects/programs or services as well as youth engagement strategies and partnership development.
• 'C' Class Driver's Licence.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, as required.

To successfully become part of our team, it is just as important to align with our values as it is to meet our selection criteria. Our values are part of who we are and are demonstrated in the way we work every day.

What we offer

• An opportunity to be part of a person-centred, flexible, family friendly organisation
• An inclusive and welcoming environment for all
• Competitive salary offerings with the ability to salary sacrifice
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Additional annual leave, and other leave offerings
• Generous paid parental and partner leave
• FIFO arrangement includes access to a car while in Meekatharra, daily living away from home allowance, free accommodation & travel from Perth

Please note

• This position is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position. Pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity act 1984, only suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates will be considered.
• Appointment to the role is subject to the successful candidate providing a satisfactory National Police Check and Working with Children Check.
• Shortlisting will commence immediately, and the role may close earlier than the date mentioned above if we find a suitable candidate.
• Due to the high volume of applications received for our advertised positions, only those applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering Youth Focus as a potential employer.
• For further information, a confidential discussion about the position, or for assistance in applying for this role, please contact Human Resources on (08) 6266 4333 or pop in to visit our Meekatharra team.

Youth Focus is committed to ensuring every individual that interacts with us feels safe and is able to bring their whole selves, being welcomed with equity, dignity and respect. In doing so, we understand that we must first include, listen, and reflect in order to build trust, connect, and partner. We celebrate individuality and are guided by the stories and journeys of the communities in which we live and work. Everyone is welcome at Youth Focus.