About the Organisation:

The Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) which is governed by a community elected Board of Directors. It is committed to the provision of a high quality range of services which will foster and support positive and fulfilling lifestyles for individuals and families within our community. These services are delivered in a professional and efficient manner and in keeping with our culture, traditions and heritage.

DDACL is a family friendly, flexible, supportive workplace that supports staff and encourages training and development. This position provides a great opportunity to work with the Aboriginal community in southern metropolitan Melbourne.

The DDACL provide a ranges of services including Primary Health Care through its Bunurong Health Service.

Summary of Position:

The Mental Health Outreach Worker will ensure that presenting community members receive access to Mental Health services and assist mainstream services to increase their awareness of the cultural, emotional, spiritual and social issues affecting Aboriginal people.

Demonstrated knowledge base and experience in the Aboriginal Health, Social and Community Services or Drug and Alcohol environment would be an advantage. The primary focus will be to provide outreach support services to Aboriginal people with emerging social issues and/or serious psychiatric disabilities.

Key selection criteria:

Essential Criteria:

• A thorough understanding of current social and health issues which are impacting on the Aboriginal community.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in the development, delivery and evaluation of prevention, early intervention and treatment related to the delivery of mental health support services.
• Extensively developed interpersonal and highly effective communication skills preferably as evidenced by a significant record of achievement of leadership in individual and group learning situations.
• Ability to work cohesively as part of a small team.
• Highly developed appreciation of the cultural, emotional and spiritual well‑being of the Aboriginal community including those of the Stolen Generation.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate relevant activities of the program.
• Well-developed written and reporting skills and proven computer literacy.
• Ability to liaise with service providers and to represent the DDACL at meetings and functions.
• High standard of ethical conduct and personal integrity practices.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the Mental Health system in relation to Monash Health (Psychiatric Wards) and other local service system providers.

Other desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Mental Health Nursing, Social Welfare or Drug & Alcohol experience.
• Experience and/or qualifications/training in similar roles.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• To deliver flexible, responsive outreach support programs which are developed in consultation with participants to enhance the social and daily living skills and capacity for independent living for Aboriginal people with mental health issues.
• To provide opportunities for Aboriginal people with mental health issues to be involved in the development and evaluation of programs in which they participate.
• To facilitate access by participants to education, training, employment and employment preparation opportunities, income support, as well as secure, permanent and affordable housing with support.
• To provide access to internal (DDACL) and external community and social services by way of referrals to appropriate service providers.
• To provide referrals for support, self‑help and planned respite programs for people with psychiatric problems including their carer's.
• To maximise the number of Aboriginals with mental health disabilities supported in the community by providing support and access to services that alleviate stress and the levels of disability associated with mental illness.
• To support the principle of continuity of care by establishing and maintaining collaborative links with other components of the mainstream mental health services, as well as general and community service areas and by establishing key worker or case manager collaboration.
• Working closely with clinicians in the BHS, assess, develop and implement approaches and initiatives to improve the care and pathway referrals for Aboriginal community members receiving mental health services.
• Liaise and consult with other agencies (both Aboriginal and mainstream) including Monash Health, Peninsula Health and Community Mental Health Services, and agencies linked to the Southeast Melbourne Primary Health Network.
• Develop knowledge and an understanding of relevant psychiatric, general health and other health care organizations to enable effective referrals.
• To prepare monthly reports for the Manager Aboriginal Health Services, enter daily service delivery data (via Best Practice health database) and participate in DDACL authorised research projects as required and approved by the Chief Executive Officer.
• To attend specific health planning and general staff meetings.
• To act in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with the policies and practices of the DDACL, including ensuring the confidentiality of medical information at all times.
• To participate in performance appraisal and professional development programs.
• All other duties as directed within the scope of the employee's skill level and training.

Personal attributes required:

• Commitment: To the organisation’s goals and objectives and willingness to work to achieve these goals.
• Empathy and Cultural Safety: Communicates well, diplomatic, empathetic, caring and relates to and sees issues from the perspective of people from the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community.
• Teamwork: Cooperates and works well with others in the pursuit of team goals; collaborates and shares information; shows consideration, concern, and respect for others’ ideas; accommodates and works well with the different working styles of others; encourages resolution of conflict within a group; Focuses on the pursuit of best practice in service delivery; Able to develop strong working relationships with staff and external contacts.
• Resilience: Perseveres to achieve goals, copes effectively with setbacks and disappointments; remains calm and in control under pressure; accepts feedback.
• Reliable and Punctual: A high level of punctuality and reliability is required.

Other requirements:

• Completion of a satisfactory background and police check.
• Possession of or a preparedness to obtain a “Working with Children Check” card.
• A current unrestricted Victorian driver’s licence.
• Proof of full vaccination status.

Some of the benefits:

As an employee, you will have access to benefits such as flexible working (subject to role), salary packaging, and access to additional leave on NAIDOC day as well as between Christmas and New Year.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

If working for an Aboriginal not for profit organisation where you can make a real difference to the community and working with a supportive experienced team who are purpose driven and focused on continuous improvement sounds appealing, apply now!

DDACL is committed to building a culture that values diversity and includes the unique contributions of all people. We encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds and identities, especially those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.