• Use your skills, passion and, cultural understnading to positively impact the mental health of Aboriginal communities
• Advocate for and help young people and their families access mental health services
• Be a part of a supportive team committed to growth, learning, and making a meaningful difference

This is a recruitment pool for permanent and fixed term full-time and part-time appointments with the possibility of extension(s) and/or permanency.

Aboriginality is a genuine occupational requirement of this position under Section 50D of the WA Equal Opportunity Act.

CRVCID No. 680844

About our Team:

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Western Australia offer support, advice and treatment to children and adolescents from birth to 18 years who are experiencing mental health challenges. Children and families are referred to CAMHS by their treating therapist, specialist, GP, school, or other community organisation.

Mental health issues can deeply impact the emotional and social well-being of children and their families. Our dedicated Aboriginal Mental Health Workers provide compassionate support, expertise, and guidance to young people with moderate to severe mental health conditions, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team to complete initial assessments, treatment and treatment planning and provide ongoing support.

We are committed to maximising a child’s potential through building and recovering skills and strategies that enable participation and engagement in everyday activities - from self-care, through to pursuing personal goals, enjoying school, social interactions, play, relationships and leisure - ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.

CAMHS actively develop relationships with local schools and service providers. This collaborative approach enhances our understanding of mental health and the unique needs of our young patients and their families

About the position:

We are seeking an Aboriginal Mental Health Worker to join our team across various locations.

You will play a vital role in improving overall well-being as you help children, adolescents and their families navigate the challenges that can arise from complex and diverse needs and mental health concerns.

Your focus will be on:

• Helping Aboriginal children, adolescents and their families and communities to access mental health services, this also includes building relationships with local schools and community services.
• Working closely with our case managers and multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals to enhance the provision of appropriate mental health assessment, crisis intervention and treatment for Aboriginal children, adolescents, and their families throughout the local area.
• Providing cultural support, consultation, and liaison throughout each patient’s health journey.
• Assisting children, adolescents, and their families in communicating their opinions and feelings freely and to utilise local advocacy organisations where appropriate.
• Supports children and adolescents in school attendance and work experience.
• Maintaining adequate records.

Please note: Pursuant of Section 50(D) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Aboriginal descent.

Much of our work involves supporting the age group of 12–16-year-olds, contributing to the development and well-being of young minds. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact during a critical stage of the life of a young person.

You will be an integral part of our supportive and collaborative team and play a key role in helping our young patients establish practical and attainable goals, promoting the highest level of function in various aspects of their lives.

CAMHS offer a comprehensive training program including our:

• Onboarding program, offering regular training sessions that cover the vast spectrum of CAMHS services. Gain insights into the roles of nurses, social workers, and the multidisciplinary team. Get a firsthand look at in-patient settings and the various services we collaborate with.
• Statewide Specialist Aboriginal Mental Health Training: Elevate your expertise with specialised training designed to deepen your understanding of the sector you're entering. Develop confidence and learn how to and contribute effectively to the well-being of Aboriginal families, carers, and consumers.
• Cultural Security Training: Learn the importance of creating culturally secure environments, making our organisation friendly and accessible to Aboriginal people. Engage in cultural supervision, a unique form of clinical supervision tailored to the cultural context.
• Navigating Culture and Clinical Settings: Develop best practices in handling the interface between culture and clinical settings. As an Aboriginal Mental Health Worker, you'll be at the forefront of addressing these critical issues, ensuring the best outcomes for our diverse clientele.

How to apply

We welcome your application via the ‘Apply for Job’ button at the bottom of this page. Your application should contain the following:

• A copy of your current CV outlining your most recent and relevant work experience
• A written statement addressing Essential Criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7per the Job Description Form in no more than 3 pages maximum.
• Provide the names and email contact details of two professional referees,they should be a current or previous (within the last 2 years) Line Manager. Please note we do not accept colleagues as a professional reference.

Role related questions: We encourage you to contact Aaron Panaia, Aboriginal Mental Health Coordinator on email [email protected] or phone 08 6389 5800 with any specific questions related to this role.

Help in submitting your application: If you experience technical difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.

Selection Criteria: Please see the attached Job Description Form.

Eligibility to Apply: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have a valid working visa (for fixed term appointments) or be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a visa to live and work indefinitely in Australia (for permanent appointments).

This position is subject to a Western Australian Working with Children (WWC) Check. For further information please refer to the WWC website at: https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au

Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may also be asked to comment on an applicant’s integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour.

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above fixed-term vacancies, it may also be used to fill other "similar" vacancies throughout the health service. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments may be made when similar vacancies occur. Appointments may be made from this pool until 30/09/2027.

About our CAMHS Directorates

• Community CAMHS– Community CAMHS offers mental health assessment and multidisciplinary intervention for children and young people up to the age of 18 years.
• Specialist Services and Day Programs– The Specialist Services and Day Programs consists of Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Service, Multisystemic Therapy, Pathways and Touchstone. These programs support children and young people who have complex mental health needs.
• Acute CAMHS– Acute CAMHS, based at Perth Children’s Hospital has a mental health inpatient unit (Ward 5A), Paediatric Psychiatric Inpatient In-Reach Team, Eating Disorder Service and Gender Diversity Service.

CAHS values: To achieve our vision of healthy kids, healthy communities, CAHS is committed to providing a workplace culture that is driven and shaped by our values of Compassion, Collaboration, Equity, Respect, Excellence and Accountability. During the selection process you may be assessed on your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this position in accordance with the values. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the person named in this advert.

WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.

For Assistance including any adjustment needed to accommodate a disability and confidential enquiries – please contact the Strategic Talent Acquisition Recruitment Team (START) service via email: [email protected]