Program Area:                  Smiling Care – Mental Health and Wellbeing

Team:                                Sudd Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing

Agreement:                       SACS Community Development Worker Class 1,  Year 2-Year 4 depending on experience. SCHADS level 4.

Classification:                    SACS Level 4 Pay Point 3

Salary:                               $84,000 + Super

Reports to:                         General Manager – Ambrose Mareng, Contact: 0411 342 693

 

The Sudd Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of South Sudanese youth, families, and general community members who face challenges in accessing mainstream services in Victoria. We are seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Mental Health Coordinator to join our team and make a positive impact on the lives of the individuals we serve. Mental health and wellbeing issues are prevalent within the South Sudanese Community. Community members’ experiences of mental ill health can be compounded by several factors, including pre- and post-settlement experiences and the complex intersectionality of other challenges experienced by South Sudanese Australians. The Sudd Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing Program targets people of South Sudanese and African heritage of all ages, with the aims of increasing access to services, providing knowledge and awareness, and reducing stigma. The capacity building aspect will have a heavy youth focus due to pre-existing individual/group youth initiatives targeting mental health challenges among this cohort. Other groups of targeted young people include those aged 12-26 years old and young mothers with young children.

 

Responsibilities:

 

Provide cultural and inclusive support: Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and develop individualized referral plans for South Sudanese youth, families, and community members. Utilize evidence-based therapies and interventions to address a range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, and acculturation stress.

 

Strengths-based approach: Implement strengths-based practice principles to identify and leverage the inherent strengths and capabilities of individuals. Promote resilience, self-efficacy, and empowerment by focusing on individuals’ resources and abilities.

 

Outreach and engagement: Proactively reach out to and engage with hard-to-reach South Sudanese youth, families, and community members who may be disconnected from mainstream services. Establish trusting relationships and provide culturally sensitive support to enhance their access to mental health services.

 

Collaborative partnerships: Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and relevant stakeholders to enhance the integration of mental health services within the South Sudanese community. Develop and maintain strong partnerships with Cohealth to ensure comprehensive support and identified specific services for individuals.

 

Case management and coordination: Provide ongoing case management, including advocacy, referral, and coordination of services. Work closely with other service providers, such as general practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and community support workers, to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to care.

 

Documentation and reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, counseling plans, and progress. Prepare timely reports and documentation as required by funding bodies and the organization.

 

Sudd Foundation is committed to being a child-safe and equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those who speak languages other than English, to apply for the position.

 

In addition to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment, Sudd Foundation also offers generous salary packaging options and opportunities for professional training and development. We believe in investing in our team members’ growth and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

 

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your interest in joining Sudd Foundation and look forward to receiving your application via email at [email protected]. The closing date is 5 pm on 04th December 2023.

 

Position Overview & Purpose

 

As the Mental Health Coordinator, you will contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing. Your role will be instrumental in fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and proactive support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges in the South Sudanese community.

 

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated professional who is passionate about mental health advocacy and has a strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues. If you are committed to making a positive impact and driving meaningful change in mental health, we encourage you to apply for this position at Sudd Foundation.

 

Key Accountabilities

 

– Share information regarding cultural perspectives, traditions, and values to facilitate cultural safety.

– Advocate for community needs at an organizational level.

– Assist with community engagement, consultation, and co-design to identify community interests, needs, strengths, or challenges.

– Develop and implement local capacity-building projects that respond to community interests and needs.

– Review materials, resources, and services to assess accessibility and relevance.

– Share information with community groups in relevant language and culturally appropriate ways.

– Educate community members about services and facilitate access.

– Support project lead with program evaluation and reporting.

– Assist in recruiting for programs, workshops, and employment.

– Support project leads with ad-hoc administration and translation work, including phone calls, photocopying, and translation of materials.

– Carry out duties in a manner that does not adversely affect their own health and safety or that of others by reporting all incidents and injuries as well as cooperating with any measures introduced in the workplace to improve Work Health & Safety (WHS).

– Comply and adhere to all Sudd Foundation policies and procedures, including conduct and values.

 

Position Requirements (qualifications, skills, knowledge, and attributes)

 

– A degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.

– Registration or eligibility for registration with the relevant professional body (e.g., Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia (PACFA), or Australian Public Service (APS).

– Demonstrated experience in providing mental health support to culturally diverse populations, preferably South Sudanese communities.

– Knowledge of strengths-based practice principles and experience applying them in a therapeutic setting.

– Strong assessment and case formulation skills, with the ability to develop and implement individualized counseling plans.

– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships.

– Cultural competence and sensitivity toward the experiences and needs of South Sudanese youth, families, and community members.

– Functional spoken and written English.

– Shared lived experience; an understanding of culture, tradition, values, and refugee-like experiences (where relevant).

– Extensive community networks/connections and demonstrated relationship-building skills.

– Understanding of general community strengths, challenges, interests, and needs.

– Experience in community advocacy, leadership, or other community work.

– Group facilitation skills.

– Respect and acceptance of diversity and difference within communities.

– Demonstrated experience in setting and maintaining boundaries.

– Advanced interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

– Cultural bridging skills; Experience in communicating complex ideas in culturally relevant and accessible ways.

– Knowledge of Australian systems, navigation, and referral pathways.

– A commitment to advocate for community needs.

– Experience engaging with organizations and other stakeholders.

– Basic computer and literacy skills.

– Working with Children Check (WWCC).

– Police Check.

– COVID Vaccination.

 

Selection Criteria

 

– Explain why you are interested in joining the bicultural program and what skills you will bring to the role.

– Tell us about your involvement with your cultural community. Are you involved in any community/faith groups, do you volunteer or support people? Give examples.

– Tell us about your experience planning and delivering community events, information sessions, or projects with your community.

 

Additional Information

 

– Sudd Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer.

– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who speak languages other than English, are encouraged to apply.

– This position is based at Braybrook 1-3/77-79 Ashley Street, Braybrook VIC 3019 but may be required to work two days at Sunshine with cohealth facilities from time to time.

– Sudd Foundation is a child-safe organization, and employment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a Police Record Check and Working with Children Check.

– In the context of occupational health and safety, all employees are required to carry out their duties in a manner that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others by reporting all incidents and injuries as well as cooperating with any measures introduced in the workplace to improve OH&S.

 

Relationship to Performance Development and Review Plan

 

This position description operates in conjunction with and forms part of the relevant individual Performance Development Review Plan. An initial performance review will take place six months following commencement of employment and then on an annual basis.

 

Our work at Sudd Foundation operates based on human rights-based principles, and we further elaborate on each principle:

– Participation: This principle emphasizes the active involvement and participation of individuals, communities, and stakeholders in decision-making processes, program planning, and implementation. It ensures that the voices and perspectives of South Sudanese youth, families, and communities are heard and respected in all aspects of mental health initiatives.

– Accountability: Accountability refers to the responsibility of the Sudd Foundation and its staff to be transparent and answerable for their actions and decisions. It involves ensuring that resources are used effectively, programs are implemented as intended, and the impact of interventions is regularly assessed and evaluated. Accountability also includes addressing any complaints, feedback, or concerns raised by individuals or communities regarding the mental health services provided.

– Non-discrimination: This principle highlights the importance of providing equal access to mental health services and support without discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability, or social status. It also emphasizes the need to pay special attention to vulnerable groups, such as children, women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and those with disabilities, who may face additional barriers to accessing mental health care.

– Empowerment: This principle involves equipping individuals, families, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to take control of their own mental health and well-being. It focuses on promoting self-determination, building resilience, and fostering community-led solutions. Empowerment also includes supporting individuals to advocate for their rights and interests in mental health policy and decision-making processes.

– This principle emphasizes the alignment of mental health practices and interventions with international human rights standards, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It ensures that mental health programs respect and promote the rights, dignity, and autonomy of individuals, and that any restrictions on rights are proportionate, necessary, and based on evidence-based practices.

 

Adhering to these principles, the Sudd Foundation demonstrates its commitment to promoting human rights and ensuring that mental health programs and services are inclusive, equitable, and effective in meeting the needs of South Sudanese youth, families, and communities.