This is a special measures role and only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply, under the special measures provision, section 12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

Make a real difference to the local community

Full-Time, Fixed Term 12 Months

Access to Salary Packaging

Generous Annual Leave

The Role

The GGQ (Greater Geelong & Queenscliff) Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is delivered by a consortium of partners: Barwon Health, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd, Wellways Australia and ermha365. The GGQ Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is underpinned by positivity, hope and inclusion. No matter whether a client, carer or provider enters or seeks assistance via digital platforms, contact centre, or physical locations, the first engagement will always start with a simple question: “Welcome, how can we help?”. Drawing on established services, networks, and pathways, the GGQ Mental Health and Wellbeing Local provides seamless integration between local, area and wellbeing services for the benefit of consumers, carers, and providers. This is supported through standardised assessment tools, treatment and support processes, care plans and care coordination, colocation of services and regional navigational pathways.

The Social & Emotional Wellbeing worker role aims to provide culturally appropriate care to Community Members (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders) who access the GGQ Local, who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges and/or substance use disorders. Through the provision of appropriate care, the SEWB worker role contributes to improvement in Social and Emotional Wellbeing outcomes, through the provision of:

• Support to explore each individual Community Members Social and Emotional Wellbeing needs and circumstance.

• Case Management and direct support to Community Members presenting with complex needs.

• Encouragement, psychoeducation and raising awareness with individual Community Members on how to take positive action to deal with Social & Emotional Wellbeing challenges that are impacting on their Mental Health and/or Alcohol and other Drugs issues.

• Work alongside GGQ Locals staff, Wathaurong Health Service team, other Wathaurong programs and external agencies to develop effective strategies for appropriate referral and care coordination.

About you

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

• Relevant qualification (or working toward) in Community Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related area and/or experience providing support services.

• Demonstrated skills and experience in delivery of SEWB services.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the drug and alcohol support and treatment sector, the mental health sector and community support services.

• Sound Knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Culture, issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the Aboriginal Service Sector including cultural and traditional healing opportunities.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to develop positive stakeholder relationships and communicate with diverse individuals in a culturally appropriate manner.

• Ability to demonstrate resilience and work in challenging and high-pressured environments.

• Strong written communication skills including a high level of accuracy, record keeping, and report writing abilities.

• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively as part of a team and follow processes

• Knowledge of safe and appropriate culturally centred practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander focused services, including employment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

• Demonstrated understanding of social, physical, economical, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their ability to access adequate and quality services.

• Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child safe organisation in both practice and culture.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in working within a mainstream mental health service.

• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

• Knowledge and understanding of local Aboriginal community and service networks.

About Us

Please visit our website for further information: www.wathaurong.org.au

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via SEEK by clicking the ‘Quick apply’ button.

A copy of the Position Description is available at SEWB Worker – GGQ Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Job in Geelong, South West Coast VIC - SEEK

Applications close on 22 October 2025.