Is this you?

• Join a team of clinical specialists to make a difference in mental health!
• Flexible working – talk to us about how this role can be flexible for you.
• Opportunities to learn, develop and grow await you at ACSO!

About us

This is an amazing opportunity to shape the future of peer and community-led mental health services by being part of the launch of the Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Service in Benalla & Wangaratta.

This local support is a key recommendation of the recent Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system and promises to make our community a better place to live.

About the service

Wellways, Albury Wodonga Health and Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO), are working together to provide mental health and wellbeing supports in Benalla & Wangaratta to ensure everyone can access treatment and care closer to home.

The new Benalla & Wangaratta Mental Health and Wellbeing Local will provide welcoming and inclusive support for people aged 26 years and over who are experiencing mental health challenges, including people with co-occurring alcohol and drug addiction treatment and care needs.

We are working with the local community and people who have a personal experience of mental health issues and recovery to build these services so they are the best they can be.

The Benalla & Wangaratta Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

Mental Health and Wellbeing Peers will guide people through an intentional journey of evidence-based treatment, care, and support, supporting people to achieve wellbeing and optimal participation in the community.

The Towards Change (TC) Team provide assessment and care planning (up to six weeks) for clients referred via the Support and Connect Program with the support of dedicated Wellbeing Navigators. TC provide a range of assessments depending on client need and offer evidenced based wellbeing interventions including mental health, physical health, and substance issues, employment and relationships. TC program is inclusive of post-care planning (up to 12 months).

In the establishment phase the operating hours will be Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm. In 2023 the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local will begin to operate 7 days a week. We are seeking flexibility from employees as this position will be required to work afternoons until 8pm and weekends according to a rotating roster.

About you

• Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health, AOD or Tertiary Qualification in Social Science, or
• 1+ year relevant work experience in the Mental Health Sector or Intentional Peer Support Training
• Personal experience of a mental illness or psychological distress and recovery
• Be comfortable to share personal experiences with program clients within a safe and supported way
• Demonstrated skill in establishing, empowering and supportive partnerships with individuals, families, and carers
• Good at building collaborative relationships, as well as great interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to plan, prioritise and work independently to ensure outcomes are achieved
• An understanding and demonstrated commitment to social inclusion and diversity
• Prior experience working within the Mental Health or AOD sectors, or a community-based organisation (desirable).

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time, permanent, position available. Benalla and Wangaratta!
• Competitive base salary + 10.5% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• WFH options as per the needs of the program
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks accessible after six months of employment)
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Phone, laptop, and provisions to help set you up at home (if required)
• Benefits listed above, including
  • Learning and development opportunities
  • Wellbeing initiatives
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives.

How to apply

If you think you’d be a great fit – we’d love to hear from you!

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website (REQN-599) and provide a copy of your resume and a brief covering letter detailing your suitability for the position.

Please note ACSO is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe and minimises risk to the health and wellbeing of all employees, clients, contractors, volunteers and representatives. ACSO’s employees are required to be fully vaccinated (including third dose) against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To learn more about this position, please contact Chantelle Miller, General Manager, AOD & MH, on 0499 201 873.

Applications close 4 November 2022

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found sooner, so we recommend applying early!

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.