Mental Health Recovery Worker 

The Mental Health team at Woden Community Service has several full-time opportunities for qualified and committed Recovery Workers to work across the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program (CPSP) and Hoarding Advocacy Support Service (HASS). 

About Services 

The CPSP provides community outreach support to people experiencing severe mental health issues, who are not more appropriately supported by the NDIS.  Participants are supported through the New Path Service (shorter-term earlier intervention support), Continuity of Support (medium to longer-term, lighter-touch support for people with more complex co-occurring conditions) and Access Enabling (wrap-around support and assistance with applications for the NDIS).   

The HASS trial is an initiative of the ACT government Hoarding Case Management Group (HCMG), responsible for a whole-of-government approach to the management of complex hoarding and domestic squalor cases.  The key focus of the targeted HASS trial is working with and advocating for, specific clients to improve their particular hoarding circumstance and to provide effective liaison between the individuals, government regulators, government support services, community support services and natural supports. 

About you

You will have a strong understanding of strength-based and recovery approaches, personal integrity and a passion for social justice. You will also have an ability to manage a complex caseload, supporting people with mental illness and/or difficulties with their living conditions to live a fulfilling and contributing life in their community.

Qualifications in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work or Community Services, and experience in therapeutic models such as motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy, will be highly regarded. 

Our Offer 

• Full time 38 hours per week 
• Fixed term until 30 June 2022, with expected extension
• Work in a supportive, dedicated team
• Professional development and extensive training provided
• Monthly external supervision
• Paid shutdown leave on standard working days between Christmas and New Year. 
• Study leave opportunities
• National EAP Service
• Location: 1 Bowes Place, Phillip ACT 2606
• Salary $77, 839.97 p.a (pro rata) plus 10% Superannuation
• Salary packaging option up to $15,899 per Fringe Benefits Tax year, with an additional Meals and Entertainment package available up to $2,650 per Fringe Benefits Tax year

Qualifications & Experience (Essential Selection Criteria)

• Minimum qualification for the role is a Cert IV in Mental Health or equivalent. Qualifications in Psychology, Community Development / Education, Counselling or Social Work will be preferred.
• Extensive skills, knowledge and experience in providing direct and personalised assistance through outreach, providing information and referral, as well as monitoring and reporting on progress.
• An understanding and demonstrated awareness of strength-based, solution focused and recovery approaches. An understanding of social justice principles.
• Demonstrated ability to build supportive and respectful relationships with people experiencing mental illness and significant distress, including family members and carers.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to develop strong relationships and trust with people experiencing mental illness, their families and carers, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a small team and a willingness to participate in reflective practice. 
• Thorough understanding of the importance of personal and professional boundaries, ethical behaviour, policies and procedures.

Click here for a full position description.

To apply – please email the following to [email protected] by COB
 7 November 2022. 

1.    1-2 pages cover letter addressing the essential selection criteria  
2.   Current resume

For further information, please contact Lorinda Slatter, CPSP & HASS Team Leader, on 0421 135 607 or email [email protected]

To be eligible for employment, you must have working rights in Australia, current ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration and a National Police Check.

WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all abilities and life experiences including people with lived-experience of mental illness and recovery. We also encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to apply.