MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR: ‘THE LOUNGE’ 

Part-time 0.6 FTE (negotiable) 

SCHADS Award 5.2 plus super 

New Mornings is a trusted and respected community mental health support organisation based in Ulverstone, Tasmania.  Our vision is to see thriving, productive, northwest Tasmanian communities with excellent mental health. Christian values underpin our compassionate and authentic approach to the care of each person.  We have four major focus areas:  

1. ‘The Lounge’, which provides support and a safe space to connect and relax for isolated women with mental health conditions. 
2. Grief Support, which offers individual assessment, counselling and experiential grief support group sessions for people with complex grief, as well as community seminars and training events.   
3. Student Mentoring, which provides one on one mentor support for school age children struggling emotionally and educationally.
4. New Hope Mental Health and Wellbeing Garden, a therapeutic space for children dealing with adverse experiences. 

Our mental health goals are:  

1. To equip individuals to grow in resilience and increase their access to community   
2. To encourage and resource people who support others with mental health conditions 
3. To support and equip individuals with mental health conditions to maximise recovery and help prevent relapse 

‘The Lounge’ is a warm, welcoming place which provides connection and support for socially isolated, marginalised and vulnerable women. Many of these women have chronic, complex or inadequately managed mental health conditions or are struggling with prolonged or complicated grief. The Lounge is a relaxed peer support setting where people are treated as guests rather than clients. The Lounge provides inspiration and opportunity for women to grow in self-confidence while taking those courageous first steps to reconnect with others and their community.  Guests enjoy coffee, crafts, games and companionship.

The team includes the senior mental health clinician, a NDIS mental health practitioner, and a number of peer-support volunteers. This role will report to and collaborate with the senior mental health clinician. Professional supervision and relevant professional development are intrinsic to this role.  

Purpose of Role 

We are seeking a mental health practitioner with experience in the community sector, ideally including the NDIS, to provide leadership and oversight of The Lounge.   

The role will have responsibility for the oversight, co-ordination and development of the program, including oversight of volunteers; data collection for program evaluation; and collaboration with other mental health service providers.  

It will contribute to the recovery goals of the program by providing clinical input and case management for clients (as needed) and will also participate in the New Mornings clinical team.   

Reporting Pathways 

This position reports to and receives supervision from the Senior Mental Health Clinician. 

Duties of Role 

Administrative 

• Coordination of all Lounge activities, including: 
  • oversight and support of volunteers, including orientation and training; 
  • working with the team to design appropriate program activities; 
  • regular communication and follow up with clients and volunteers; 
  • planning and leading team meetings 
• Managing the client database and collecting qualitative and quantitative information for ongoing evaluation and planning 
• Providing quarterly reports on the activities, impacts, KPIs and milestones of the program 
• Ensure compliance with all New Mornings policies and procedures, including risk management 
• Participate in staff meetings

Clinical 

• Ensure assessment, support plans and case management are in place for those with complex mental health needs 
• Maintain appropriate case notes 
• Contact participants whose attendance has lapsed to assess their wellbeing, support needs and ongoing care; this may involve community or home visits
• Participate in internal clinical team meetings  
• Liaise with external clinical mental health supports and other providers to facilitate comprehensive and coordinated care for clients 
• Maintain and grow key relationships developed between New Mornings and Rivendell Clinic, Spencer Clinic, Oldaker St Clinic and other mental health providers

Key Selection Criteria 

• A relevant mental health qualification and at least 3 years’ experience in the mental health field 
• Experience in the operations of a community-based program, including planning, data collection and reporting 
• Knowledge of the mental health service system 
• Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge, particularly in dealing with vulnerable and marginalised people 
• Experience in team leadership and supervision of staff and/or volunteers 
• Demonstrated efficient time management and effective prioritisation of workload 
• A personal commitment to the Christian values of the organisation 
• Reimbursement is provided for work-based travel

Please submit your application with a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your resume. 

Applications close 14th September 2023