Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)

Established in 1979 by the Ballarat Aboriginal community in the Ballarat district, BADAC’s vision is to be the strongest voice and presence in the Ballarat area, supporting and respecting their people, enhancing our community, growing their culture and honouring their heritage. BADAC is the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) for the Ballarat and District area, covering 4 local government areas (LGAs). The organisation is extremely proud of the contribution and support they have provided the local Aboriginal community over the past 40 years delivering a comprehensive range of health, social, welfare and community development programs to local Aboriginal people.

Our vision

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative exists to achieve self-determination for the Aboriginal community, enabling stronger families by ensuring equal opportunities in health, housing, education, employment and justice through a holistic and culturally relevant approach.

The Opportunity

BADAC’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Program has a vacancy for a mental health clinician to work Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families where mental illness is impacting on their life. This position is ongoing, funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people define Social and Emotional Well being as a multi-dimensional concept of health that includes mental health, but which also encompasses domains of health and well being such as connection to land or country, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community.

This position aims to address the social and emotional well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to meet the expected growth in service demand, through increasing the workforce available to deliver culturally appropriate, trauma informed treatment programs. A key goal of the initiative is to enable Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to self-determine and sustain a workforce that engages, builds and supports the social and emotional well being of its local community.
 

We are currently looking for a committed and enthusiastic Mental Health Clinician to join out SEWB Team on a full time basis (Part-time option available). 

The Role

The role of the Mental Health Clinician is to provide comprehensive mental health care within the context of a primary healthcare setting as part of a larger team whose focus is on improving health outcomes for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and their families. The role will involve early identification of developing or existing mental health issues across all age groups, resulting in early intervention through a comprehensive mental health and risk assessment to determine the needed response.

The role of the Mental Health Clinician will provide ongoing management of clients to ensure that they are provided with appropriate supports to improve not only their mental health but all aspects of their life. The incumbent will need to be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have a sound knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and an ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It is desirable that individuals recruited to these positions will have experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and have a good understanding of culturally appropriate healing, grief and loss, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches to improve social and emotional well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
 

Key Duties & Responsibilities
 

• Routinely practice evidence-based and best practice clinical assessments and treatments in accordance with legislative requirements and scope of practice.
   
• Undertake comprehensive psychiatric and risk assessments using the classifications of low, moderate and severe cases to identify and prioritise client needs and/or referral options.

• Provide therapeutic counselling and support that focuses on reducing symptoms of mental illness, taking into account the needs of the individual, family and community, while ensuring that services are flexible, accessible, and where appropriate family inclusive.
   
• Refer to internal and external services to better provide the client with a holistic wrap around service that is underpinned by BADAC.
   
• Develop, facilitate and review programs, groups and research where appropriate, to improve service delivery and client outcomes.
   
• Provide a comprehensive mental health assessment, advice and treatment recommendations to the General Practitioner for referral options under a mental health care plan.
   
• Intervention through case co-ordination and/or case management to ensure treatment is commenced and maintained.
   
• Maintain statistical data and records reflecting the reporting expectations and required standards. This includes clinical records, outcome measures and contact data. 
   
• Establish and maintain effective and appropriate inter-agency professional relationships.
   
• Other reasonable duties as required and requested by the SEWB Program Manager and Chief Operating Officer. 
   
• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and act at all times in a professional manner in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative.

Key Selection Criteria
 

To be considered and successful in this application, you will possess the following:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a way that promotes Aboriginal people’s cultural identity and promotes their connection to family, community and culture.

• Strong knowledge of Aboriginal culture and the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal people.
   
• Post graduate qualification in mental health nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and/or Psychology. Current National Registration through AHPRA or equivalent professional membership. 
   
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in the Mental Health Sector.
   
• Must have relevant knowledge and skill in the delivery of evidence-based and best practice for clients presenting with a broad range of mental illness, trauma, emotional distress, alcohol and other drug issues.
   
• Must have highly developed communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, colleagues and other health service providers.
   
• Demonstrates knowledge of relevant legislation, including Mental Health Act, policies governing practice standards, including the National Standards for Mental Health Services and the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce (2002).
   
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team that is flexible and creative.
   
• Be willing to work alongside clients and families in a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive and safe manner.
   
• Ability to utilise analytical skills and strong computer skills to routinely develop and review mental health care plans.
   
• Has a sound knowledge of OH&S policies and standards of practice.

Other Info

To be considered for roles with BADAC you will need to have (or be willing to have) a National Police Clearance and current Working with Children check Clearance.

APPLY NOW:

This is a great opportunity for the right person to join our dedicated team of professionals who are committed to helping our community whilst enjoying a great work / life balance.

If this sounds like the sort of opportunity you would be interested in, please click ‘Apply Now’ .

Please Note: All applications will require applicants to provide a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria above and a copy of their resume. Applications without the required documents will not be accepted.
 

Applications close 22nd September 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
 

BADAC is a Child Safe organisations and all employees are expected to adhere to our Child Safe Guidelines.
 

BADAC is committed to diversity in employment aiming to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we operate in. We foster a workplace culture in which LGBTI employees feel included, safe and supported.