Mental Health Care Navigator 

• Employment Term: Part-time
• Location: Mackay / Clermont region
• Remuneration: Competitive Salary + 11% Super + Not for Profit Salary Packaging

Wesley Research Institute is a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on improving patient care and quality of life through applied health and medical research.

Our vision is to be recognised as a world leader in applied health and medical research and be acknowledged for achieving excellence and innovation in patient care. Wesley Research Institute aims to foster a strong research culture investing in innovations that lead to faster diagnoses, better treatment options and ultimately cures for the most debilitating illnesses and diseases. 

As the official research organisation for UnitingCare, the research activity undertaken by Wesley Research Institute spans all UnitingCare hospitals including The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital at the Sunshine Coast, and St Stephen’s Hospital at Hervey Bay. Wesley Research Institute collaborates with other UnitingCare agencies, industry, research organisations and academia to impact the health of all Australians and beyond. 

Purpose of the Position:

This position acts as a primary point of contact to connect help-seekers to appropriate mental health services in the Bowen Basin region. The care navigator will link and support people to engage with the services that most suit their needs, including existing physical mental health services available in the region, virtual mental health service providers, traditional telehealth services and local support networks. 

As a Navicare Mental Health Care Navigator, you will primarily provide coordination of support at the individual level to ensure that individuals get the right primary mental health care at the right time. Operating out of a central intake hub, you will provide individuals with necessary information about the sorts of services available to support their identified needs and the possible waiting times for services and support programs. At times, you may be required to identify when a help-seeker is high-risk and requires immediate assistance, then liaise with crisis or emergency services to obtain appropriate and timely support. 

About You:

The successful candidate will ideally present with the following:

Essential 

• Certificate, Diploma or Tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as nursing, human services, social welfare, youth work, disability services, social work, psychology, or behavioural science and/or relevant experience in the mental health industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in mental health in a variety of settings, and an understanding of rural and remote mental health service issues. 
• Demonstrated skills and ability to coordinate access to services and support for help-seekers and their family.
• Demonstrated skills in establishing and maintaining relationships with community, organisations, general practice, help-seekers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work with a high level of autonomy and exercise professional judgement in decision making.
• High level of initiative and flexibility, and ability to meet deadlines while balancing multiple priorities. 
• A proactive attitude, including the capacity to acquire new skills and multitask. 
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with multi-disciplinary medical, nursing and allied health staff, and community groups.
• Proficient in a wide range of computer applications, including use of databases, spreadsheets, and MS Office. 
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of workplace health and safety principles. 
• Working with Children Blue Card, or eligibility for a Blue Card.
• Mental Health First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain and maintain this.
• Current First Aid certification including CPR, or willingness to obtain and maintain this.
• Current Driver’s License.
• Willingness to demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation for the role and uphold the values of the UnitingCare group (Compassion, Respect, Justice, Working Together, Leading Through Learning).

Desirable

• Tertiary qualification in one of the fields outlined above.
• 5+ years’ experience in mental health or a relevant field.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like you, please apply now, submitting your resume and cover letter addressing your experience against the above criteria and any significant achievements you think we should know about in your roles to date. Applications close 22 September 2023.

In return, we offer a competitive salary with significant NFP salary sacrifice benefits, a dynamic and rewarding work environment and an opportunity to be part of an organisation that genuinely makes a real difference to the lives of the people it deals with.