Mental Health Advocate – Level 5 SCHADS Award

About us: 

Multicultural Futures (MCF), believes in a connected multicultural community where people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have opportunities to create healthy, empowered and meaningful lives in Australia. Founded in 1981, our Mission is to provide culturally diverse people and communities with skills and support, to achieve their aspirations in an inclusive Australian society.

MCF deliver a range of services including housing support, employability skills, community capacity building, and mental health and wellbeing. The dedicated team holds our values of Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, Inclusion and Excellence front of mind, and are proud of the quality work we deliver to clients and communities every day.

About the role: 

Multicultural Futures are currently seeking a full time Mental Health Advocate to support individuals, carers, families, and communities impacted by mental health issues (specifically those from a refugee or migrant background) access services and support with confidence for recovery. The position is currently located in Mirrabooka (Office locations subject to change at the discretion of MCF).

Reporting to the Program Manager Mental Health the roles will hold the following key focus areas: 

Client services 

• Initial assessment of clients’ needs.
• Action planning for recovery, including supported referral.
• Individualised and flexible support for individuals, carers and families as they navigate the health care system
• Advocating for clients rights to access timely culturally responsive services and community resources.
• Provide one-to-one support sessions at the office or through outreach, as appropriate.
• Promote early intervention and prevention in the community
• Provide group information sessions.
• Involve family members, carers, and other relevant stakeholders in recovery planning (if appropriate and consent has been provided).
• Provide support, guidance, and training to other providers to strengthen cultural responsiveness.
• Establish and strengthen referral pathways and partnerships with agencies and support networks.
• Collect data for reporting requirements

Leadership and Management

• Maintain positive working relationships with other staff members, programs and external service providers.

Administration

• Provide regular performance reports against agreed targets.
• Complete staff timesheets, order forms, expenditure requests, and petty cash forms as appropriate. 
• Collect statistics and prepare internal reports as required.

Compliance 

• Comply with and effectively operate within all internal policies & procedures.
• Comply with and effectively operate in accordance with funding body policies, procedures, guidelines and contractual obligations.

Marketing

• Actively promote the service and other services provided by the organisation.
• Develop and maintain close and collaborative links with local service providers, government services, and other non-government agencies.

What you will need:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in mental health 
• Understanding on how to navigate mental health service systems
• Evidence of well-developed communication skills –  both verbal and written
• Strong time management skills
• Satisfactory Police Clearance (less than 6 months old)
• Current Working With Children Check 
• Tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, or equivalent (highly regarded)
• Demonstrated experience working with people from a refugee or migrant background who have mental health and/or alcohol and other drug issues (highly regarded)

Benefits and perks 

• Passionate, experienced team
• Supportive team members and Board of Management
• Rewarding work that truly makes a difference to the lives of others. 

Please provide a cover letter outlining your interest in the position.

Applications close 3 November 2023, but we reserve the right to commence interviews prior to the closing date and/ or close this position early if a suitable candidate is selected.

We will keep relevant applicants on file for future opportunities. Please advise in your application if you do not consent to this.

For more information on Multicultural Futures, please visit multiculturalfutures.org.au