Mental Health Support Worker (Identified Position)

Full Time Permanent

Based in Cairns

Salary: Wuchopperen Health Service Limited Enterprise Agreement (2023)

Social and Community Service Grade 4: $84,508.41 - $90,927.37 per annum

Wuchopperen Health Service

'Keeping Our Generations Growing Strong'

Wuchopperen is a Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Organisation providing holistic health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Cairns.

Benefits of working with Wuchopperen:

We provide a positive work culture and a diverse and inclusive environment. Our people matter to us, and we are committed to supporting them:

• Competitive Salary + 12% Super + Salary Sacrifice (up to $15,899 for tax free benefits and $2,650 p/a for entertainment benefits).
• 5 weeks annual leave and 15 days personal leave pro rata.
• Commitment to professional development.
• EAP for employees and family members.

About the role:

This Mental Health Support Worker will deliver trauma aware, healing informed models of recovery orientated, non-clinical psychosocial supports tailored to the needs of the individual in a culturally appropriate way.

The Mental Health Support Worker is supervised by the Coordinator, Social and Emotional Wellbeing program and the position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This position works closely with other members of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Healthy Happy Family’s programs and maintains regular contact with other program staff to ensure effective outcomes for clients.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an Individual Wellbeing Care Plan (IWCP) within two weeks of the client’s referral. Monitor and update the plan as required.
• Ensure the IWCP details the individual’s recovery goals in line with current medical and therapeutic interventions.
• Manage client’s symptoms of illness and recovery through referral pathways and advocate for their right to quality and effective support services.
• Actively engage with clients through activities programs to further their skills in areas that promote their independence and wellbeing, including but not limited to budgeting, day planning, parenting, goal setting and personal growth.
• Establish supports with the client to assist them to sustain a living situation that is affordable, comfortable, safe and secure and promotes the notion that the person is an independent and able member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Ensure collection of accurate client information and data; maintain case file notes and prepare reports as required.
• Participate in organisational and community activities to advance the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Work within Wuchopperen’s Policies and Procedures including the Staff Code of Conduct and the Work Health and Safety requirements and contribute to continuous improvement processes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and safe, effective service delivery.
• Other duties as required, within your skills, experience and capacity.

Core Capabilities:

For applicants to be successful in this role, they should demonstrate:

1. Demonstrated understanding and awareness of the Mental Health Act / Disability Services Act and other legislation as it relates to the support of people who suffer with a mental illness/disability.
2. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
3. Experience in working with complex clients and the ability to be flexible and responsive to their changing needs.
4. Demonstrated ability to implement case plan’s including assessment, planning, implementation, follow-up, transition and evaluation.
5. Extensively developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability liaise with a range of stakeholders as well as effectively advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team environment, prioritise and meet deadlines, deal with matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.
7. Demonstrated ability to meet and work within the core values and behaviours of Wuchopperen.

Qualifications and experience:

• Required to hold a qualification in Community Services and/or Mental Health or demonstrated extensive experience working within a similar role deemed equivalent by Wuchopperen.

Requirements:

• Proof of qualifications and current registration is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.
• The Mental Health Support Worker is an Identified position. It is a genuine occupational requirement that an Identified position be filled by an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person, as permitted by and arguable under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991).
• It is a condition of employment that all employees are holders of a current and valid ‘blue card’ or Working with Children Check. This is at your cost. Employment cannot continue or commence if you do not have a ‘blue card’ or if your ‘blue card’ is withdrawn or is disqualified.
• Possession of a current CPR certificate or commitment to obtain within the first six weeks of employment is essential.
• Possession of a current Queensland “CA” class driver’s licence is essential.
• Commitment to work within the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control including a willingness to develop the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Ability to use Microsoft products and the ability to use or willingness to gain proficiency in the client information management systems.
• Hold a current Blue Card (for suitability to work with children and young people).
• A commitment to adhere to Wuchopperen’s policies and procedures.

Applicants who do not address these requirements, will not be considered for shortlisting.

Note: Revised legislation requires applicants to hold a blue card prior to commencement. Refer to Qld Government’s Blue Card Services website for more information.

How to apply:

To be eligible for interview, applicants must submit a cover letter (no more than two pages), addressing the Core Capabilities and an up-to-date Resume including two referees and complete the screening questions.

For more information contact Korrie, Manager Allied Health on ‪ 07 4080 1158‬

The above is an Identified position. It is a genuine occupational requirement that an Identified position be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, as permitted by and arguable under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991).

Wuchopperen is a Child Safe Organisation and the safety and wellbeing of children is of utmost importance.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday 23 June 2025