The Bega Mental Health Hub is part of Directions Health Services, an innovative non-profit organisation that has provided specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the ACT and NSW for more than 40 years. Today we at Directions offer a comprehensive suite of holistic AOD, mental health and primary health services that aim to reduce harms experienced by individuals, families and communities and improve overall health and wellbeing. Directions’ multidisciplinary team currently includes a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Workers, Counsellors, Case Managers, Aboriginal Health Workers, Peer Support Workers, GPs, Registered Nurses, Pharmacists and Chemical Analysts. Directions’ capacity to implement innovative services developed in collaboration with our clients, partners, and other stakeholders, enables us to effectively respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve.

At Directions, we pride ourselves on our supportive, inclusive, employee and client-centred culture. Our excellent culture has led to our very high staff retention rates and great reputation within the Mental Health and AOD sectors.

The Hub is a generalist mental health service that operates in partnership with Head to Health to provide support to people from vulnerable and marginalised backgrounds who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Hub’s small team includes mental health clinicians and peer workers with lived experience who work in the beautiful Sapphire Coast (Yuin-Monaro Country).

About the position

This is a full-time position, however part-time hours are negotiable for the right applicant. As an Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing worker you will be working within a multidisciplinary team, providing culturally safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and their communities, who are impacted by mental health and other co-occurring issues, including substance use.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed, culturally safe, person-centred and holistic care including assertive outreach into the community

Engage with Aboriginal people and communities in Regional NSW and support their participation in Directions’ services and other services as appropriate for their care

By providing the above services, work to improve outcomes, reduce distress and other harm associated with poor social and emotional wellbeing, substance use, or other co-occurring conditions experienced by Aboriginal people and communities

Build and support the development of collaborative working relationships with key local services including the health, community, emergency, justice-related services and other Directions programs

Promote and contribute to a continuous quality improvement and safety framework

Support community education and capacity building activities within regional NSW areas

What we offer

A flexible and supportive work environment

Community Service Employee Level 3-4, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience

Generous salary packaging benefits

17½% leave loading

Generous professional development and training opportunities

What we would like you to have

Qualification in Aboriginal Health Care Practice, Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing or other relevant fields.

Experience working in health and community services,

Experience in providing social and emotional wellbeing support, counselling and case management with First Nations peoples and their families

Desirable: experience working in the Alcohol and Other Drug sector

Demonstrated understanding of mental health problems, associated physical health problems and other comorbidities

Demonstrated understanding of the impact of substance use on clients and family members/friends

Sound knowledge of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly within the local community

Good working knowledge of effective AOD treatment and support options and harm minimisation strategies

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

An understanding of engagement methods, and communication channels utilised for the desired participant group

Demonstrated capacity to work with participants using a person centred and holistic approach

Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and develop productive working relationships with other services

Ability to work competently in a cross-cultural environment

Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications and the ability to use electronic client information management systems.

All appointments will be conditional upon having a Working with Children Check, current First Aid and CPR certification and a satisfactory National Police Check.

For further information about this position please contact our HR team at [email protected]

How to apply

Applications can be submitted through Seek and include a current CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the position. If you have temporary or restricted rights to work in Australia, please include details in your application. Applications close: Friday 6 May 2025 at 5:00pm.

Directions is passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and we greatly value diversity in our organisation. We actively encourage applicants from all background and cultures. Research shows that women and other marginalised individuals tend to only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the requirements. If you think you may be a good fit for this position, but don't necessarily meet every requirement, please get in touch. We would love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.