About the Organisation

Since 1997, Bridges Health & Community Care Ltd. (BHCC) has assisted thousands of people to move beyond the isolation and stigma of mental illness and addictions to live a meaningful existence with a sense of purpose.  We deliver a range of programs throughout rural and regional Queensland, supported by professional staff committed to our practice principles of recovery, “No Wrong Door” and exceptional customer service.

About the Opportunity

There is the exciting opportunity to join the dynamic and person-centred team in our Rockhampton office as Mental Health Practitioner / Support Coordinator.  You will play an integral role to support people with moderate to severe mental illness who have been incarcerated, to facilitate their transition back to community.

The key accountabilities for this role are:

• Assist individuals experiencing mental distress and adversity through intensive and ongoing support, using a person-centred approach and a recovery oriented, capacity building framework.
• Work with individuals and their significant others in a planned, reliable manner to assist them to meet their individual needs and goals and review those goals on a regular basis in consultation with the consumer and relevant stakeholders.
• Support individuals to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) where appropriate, and assist them to navigate NDIS requirements to coordinate, self-direct and manage supports, and participate in the community.
• Provide direct support to clients as identified through self-directed recovery plans  facilitating access to recovery–focused and socially inclusive activities in the community.
• Provide intensive support for up to 12-months, to assist individuals to achieve their personal recovery goals and address their psycho-social needs, in partnership with their chosen support network, including clinical and non-clinical services.
• Liaise with Bridge’s suite of allied health, disability and drug and alcohol services to ensure effective, collaborative and timely service delivery and responses using “No Wrong door” practice principles.
• Respond quickly and effectively to consumers presenting with immediate and serious mental health issues, providing effective brief interventions and linking them in/referring to appropriate services.
• Ensure collection of relevant data and maintain accurate records as prescribed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Fulfill the accountability of this role in accordance with Bridges Health & Community Care’s core values, policies and procedures and contractual obligations.

About the Person:

We are seeking candidates who have:

• Knowledge and experience in working with people experiencing moderate to serious mental illness and complex needs, using principles of recovery and person-centred care
• Ability to work in diverse and challenging situations
• Understanding of the principles of privacy and confidentiality and duty of care
• Ability to assist clients connect with other appropriate community resources
• A commitment to evidence-based practice, continuous quality improvement, training, and professional development

Selection Criteria:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in health, social, or behavioural science fields e.g. psychology, social work, preferred. Experienced Mental health staff (diploma trained) will also be considered on merit.
• Knowledge and experience in working with people experiencing distress and adversity due to mental ill health and complex needs, using principles of recovery, person-centred and self-directed skill building.
• Knowledge and experience in working with offenders, and the ability to work in a correctional centre to assist offenders prior to release.
• Contemporary, evidence-based skills, including suicide prevention interventions, therapeutic tools and strength-based recovery planning.
• Knowledge and understanding of the NDIS and what this means to consumers.
• The ability to communicate clearly, professionally and respectfully with consumers, families, colleagues, other agency personnel and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication, and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills, with intermediate to advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office applications, and use of mobile devices.

A requirement prior to commencement, is the ability to obtain or currently hold the below:

• Blue Card for Working with Children
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance 
• Current Queensland Open Drivers Licence
• The right to work in Australia

The successful applicant will be required to complete a full criminal history check by Queensland Corrective Services.

About the Benefits

Bridges Health & Community Care Ltd understand the critical importance of their employees in the success of the organisation and as such are always on the lookout for talented, like-minded individuals to join their team.

In return for your hard work and dedication, you’ll receive an attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as salary packaging options to further enhance your take-home pay. 

You will be joining a culture that is dedicated to helping you succeed. Ongoing training and professional development is available to help you grow, and flexible working arrangements are negotiable to ensure that you maintain a great work-life balance.

This is a truly rewarding opportunity to support an organisation that assists vulnerable and marginalised members of the community. If you think you have what it takes to join the Bridges team then we want to hear from you – apply now!

Interested applicants are required to submit:

• an up-to-date resume including two recent referees;
• a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and requirements of the role.

For confidential enquiries about the role, please contact Bruce Bryan at [email protected]

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 15 December 2023.

Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to close the position if a suitable candidate is found sooner than the closing date.