Pathway Connect is a small independent Support Coordination service based in Ballarat, Victoria who provide services throughout the Central Highlands region.

Pathway Connect believes in providing a fair and equitable community for all. We value and respect the rights of people with disabilities and we believe in providing services which ensures accessibility, inclusivity and empowerment.

Position Overview

Pathway Connect is seeking an experienced mental health professional to join our Support Coordination team. The Psychosocial Recovery Coach is a new support role within NDIS, and clear guidelines have been developed for this role. It aims to primarily build strong and respectful relationships that enable recovery for people living with psychosocial disability. This will be achieved by:

• Supporting the participant to build capacity and resilience.
• Assist people to further develop their autonomy and to take more control of their lives and to better manage complex challenges of day to day living.
• Actively engage and work collaboratively with families, carers providers and other supports to effectively connect to the broader system of supports and the NDIS.
• Encourage linkages into a range of activities to support achievement of goals.

This support is designed to maintain engagement through periods of increased support needs due to the episodic nature of mental illness. We encourage applications from people with lived experience of psychosocial disability and mental health. Your own pathway to recovery is an empowering tool to coach, support and motivate others facing challenges.

The successful applicant will also provide general NDIS Support Coordination services while this position builds.

While knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and experience working with people with disability would be desirable – we are ultimately seeking a person who has expertise in the recovery model of mental health support.

Responsibilities and duties

• To be recovery focused - and develop a recovery-enabling relationship with participants with psychosocial disability.
• To provide direct practical support.
• To support Participants to achieve their goals.
• To encourage and support social inclusion.
• To support and assist skill attainment.
• Assisting Participants and their families/carers to navigate the NDIS.
• Providing support and information; and to connecting NDIS participants with informal, mainstream, and funded supports.
• Building capacity within Participants and their families/carers to become as self-sufficient as possible about the NDIS, coordinating their supports and achieving their goals.
• To work within the funding allocation of a participant’s plan and ensure sufficient billable hours as directed by the Pathway Connect Directors.
• Ensure that all relevant participant data, case notes, goals and outcomes is current and up to date on our Client Management System.
• To provide support in the implementation and review of a participant’s plan.
• Develop internal and external reports as required.
• Safeguard and promote the rights and wellbeing of every individual so they are recognised, respected, protected and fulfilled.
• To undertake other tasks as directed.

Please note - As this is a newly emerging business area, the role may be modified to ensure it meets the business needs and the needs of NDIS participants.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are required to address each of these in writing and submit with a cover letter and resume.

1. Genuine desire to provide the best quality service for people with mental health issues. Minimum tertiary qualifications (Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work or Certificate IV in Mental Health) or equivalent training; and 2 years minimum experience in mental health related work.
2. Demonstrated understanding ability to work with participants to identify areas of need using key assessment and outcome measurement tools.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the NDIS Code of Conduct.
4. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to work and communicate effectively with participants, their families, community agencies and other professionals.
5. High level organisation skills and the ability to identify more and less critical activities and to operate accordingly and with flexibility, as necessary.
6. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
7. Sound IT Competence with Microsoft programs and Client Record Management Systems

Applicants must have:

• Valid Australian Driver’s License
• A Working with Children Check
• National Criminal History Check
• Clearance on the Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme
• Minimum of 2 referees – these can be provided post interview if preferred

For further information please email [email protected], using the subject line: Psychosocial Recovery Coach enquiry via EthicalJobs.