• Exciting full-time, fixed-term opportunity to 30th June 2022 in Bairnsdale
• Give back to the community in a role which supports the mental health of those in aged care
• $61K annual salary + superannuation + salary packaging benefits + leave loading

About Wellways

With a population of around 45,000, East Gippsland offers a stable workforce, a strong industry training sector and job opportunities. Wellways has been operating in this region for many years and employs hundreds of locals and managers with strong knowledge of the region and its needs. 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 make sure people can access the best possible care and information when they need it. We provide a wide range of services and assistance for people of all ages with mental health issues, disabilities, and those requiring community care.

People with lived experience, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds bring highly valued skills to our workforce.

About the program

Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) is partnering with Wellways to deliver a new program, Mental Health in Aged Care, to identify the complex and varied challenges faced by someone entering care. The program highlights opportunities for aged care facilities to offer additional support to people in the transition period from their own home into a residential aged care facility and the months following.

The Positive Life in Aged Care Enterprise (PLACE) program complements current RACF's programs and services through the addition of specific mental health psychoeducation programs, the development of peer leaders to support mental health outcomes and the links to family support and education.

PLACE has a special focus on the transition into Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) to facilitate the emotional journey and address the practical issues of transition. More broadly, PLACE supports mental health wellbeing for residents experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns.

About the role

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the East Gippsland community, especially those who have helped establish the region as a beautiful place to live and work. Under the general direction of the Team Leader, PLACE, this role will be responsible for providing the day to day PLACE wellbeing sessions for Gippsland.

The Wellbeing Workers will be responsible for the following key areas:

• Undertake comprehensive assessment and goal planning
• Provision of individual and group psychotherapeutic sessions within the RACFs
• Administer a series of clinical tools
• Strong partnerships with the RACFs

Skills & experience:

• Minimum Diploma level qualification and experience in working in a support role for people with mental health challenges
• An understanding of recovery principles and/or strengths-based principles
• Ability to relate well to clients and staff
• High level of competency in key components of Microsoft Office applications combined with the ability to learn and adapt to new information technology systems
• Ability to use telehealth resources effectively: SKYPE, What's App, phone conferencing
• Experience working in a recovery-oriented mental health environment

Pre-employment compliance requirements:

• Evidence of working rights within Australia
• Satisfactory National Police Records Check
• Working with Children Check
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/workers/support-for-workers/training-course

To apply and to download a copy of the position description please visit our careers page by clicking Apply Now.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Tanya Hayes, Coordinator Mental Health Services on 0428 769 183.

We warmly encourage people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a lived experience of mental health and disability to apply.