Aboriginal Health and Cultural Worker

St John of God Social Outreach as a Mission driven, for purpose organisation, our commitment to social justice is part of who we are. We exist to benefit the community, especially those most in need. 

One of the ways we do this is by providing free or low-cost community mental health and homelessness services that empower individuals, families and communities across Australia and beyond to transform their lives 

Our community mental health services can be accessed across New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, and include: 

• low cost or no cost psychological support and counselling 

• specialist perinatal mental health support for families including new parents 

• depression and other support groups for mental health conditions 

• drug and alcohol support services 

Medicare Mental Health Centres  

Our team provides a safe and welcoming spaces for locals to walk in and access free mental health support and services - no referral, Medicare card or appointment needed. Staffed by qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience, the centres provide immediate support to adults in distress, including their families, friends and carers. We can also connect people with other support services, such as employment assistance, to support them in the future. 

About the role

We are seeking applications for an Aboriginal Health and Cultural Worker to join our Medicare Mental Health Service at Midland, on a permanent full-time basis.

The Aboriginal Health and Cultural Worker (AHCW) will provide an important role in capacity building with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and health care providers, to encourage engagement with Medicare Mental Health Centres services and strengthen relationships. 

The AHCW will provide support and education to the Medicare Mental Health Centres team in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their communities and play an important role in ensuring these needs are communicated to Medicare Mental Health Centres caregivers and their stakeholders, through policy and procedure development, implementation and supporting caregivers to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.

The Position

• Comprehensive understanding of the social and health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the ability to influence strategies to ensure effective outcomes.
• Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and their families.
• Identifies and works to address the cultural and spiritual needs of Aboriginal patients and their families alongside the Medicare Mental Health Centres team.
• Support consumer access to Mental Health & AOD programs and services.
• Assists the Medicare Mental Health Centres team in providing emotional, social and cultural support to Aboriginal patients and their families.
• Assists Aboriginal consumers and their families in finding and understanding appropriate health information regarding their treatment options.
• Alongside the Stakeholder Engagement Officer and Service Manager, building genuine and collaborative relationships with local Aboriginal organisations and community.

We are seeking a dedicated professional with a minimum Certificate IV in Community Services (or equivalent) who brings a strong understanding of, and experience working with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships within the community and possess a sound understanding of the key health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—particularly in relation to social and emotional wellbeing.

Successful applicants must hold a valid Drivers License, Working with Children Check and National Police Check. This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).

Above all, patient care will be at the core of everything you do, committing to and supporting our Mission and Values.

We can offer you

• Salary: $92,096 to $ 94,620 plus 12% Superannuation
• Permanent full-time, working 38 hours per week
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 on a range of benefits such as mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation or other everyday living expenses as well as options to salary package benefits above the FBT cap on items such as:
  • Novated leasing 
  • work related expenses
  • self-education and
  • additional superannuation
• A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave & well-being programs
• Access to gym membership, fitness and wellbeing benefits through Fitness Passport for you and your family.
• Employee discount on St John of God Hospital & Medical Services and Private Health Insurance·        
• Employee support through our dedicated free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)·       
• Innovative Professional Development opportunities 

All applicants are asked to submit a CV and covering letter (of no more than one (1) page) demonstrating how you meet the above position requirements.

For enquiries contact Shannon Wilson, Manager MMHC North on 0439 053 440.

Applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period and interviews conducted regularly.  Apply today!

At St John of God Social Outreach, we celebrate diversity and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our commitment is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care and proactively take steps to protect them from abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Our inclusive culture fosters an environment that is respectful and secure, welcoming and accessible, and unified through our diverse community.