Acknowledgement to Country

Hunter New England local health district mental health services acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Nations within the Hunter New England Health Region. We acknowledge the significant place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold in Australia, as the First People of this Nation. We pay our respects to our Elders, the knowledge holders of our culture and who keep our traditions, rituals, song lines alive. We respect the continuing connection to land, water and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its interconnectedness to social, emotional, physical and spiritual health and wellbeing. We acknowledge the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within our district, our Aboriginal staff and our non-Aboriginal allies as well as our community organisations that walk this journey with us to improve the health disparities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We ask all those that walk, work and live on traditional Aboriginal lands to be respectful of culture.

Moree is a strong and vibrant rural community located in the beautiful Gwydir Valley in northwest NSW. Known for its hot artesian springs, sourced naturally from deep inside the Great Artesian Basin, Moree is also known for it’s local shops, country pubs and farming landscape.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Remuneration: Dependent on Qualifications + superannuation + salary packaging 
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ416347
Closing Date: 7/08/2023 

Mental Health Rehabilitation Clinician (Targeted) 
Moree Community Health Service – on Kamilaroi Country

About the role
An exciting new opportunity exists for a Targeted Mental Health Rehabilitation Clinician position. 

This role will provide clinical rehabilitation interventions and care coordination, ensuring a holistic view of health that is culturally responsive, safe, compassionate, person-centred and that self-determination is central to the provision of care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families/carers. 

There will be a focus on working collaboratively with families/carers, other key stakeholders, and the local community. Guided by the Community Rehabilitation Model of Care, a culturally sensitive Recovery Star© tool (in development) and while also engaging non-Aboriginal consumers, this position has particular emphasis on engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in mental health rehabilitation focusing on the promotion of recovery and reduction of disability to achieve better health outcomes and access to health services for Aboriginal people.

The role will provide rehabilitation assessments and interventions concentrating on the skills, supports, and resources necessary to achieve identified goals for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Aboriginal people.

It will assist people to remain connected to, or reconnect with, their communities from both the inpatient and community settings by taking into account clinical, psychosocial, and cultural needs. Within the role, if Aboriginal, you will contribute to providing cultural consultancy, if non-Aboriginal you will be culturally responsive and be committed to closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

This permanent full-time position is based in Moree (or can be negotiated) and will provide direct services across the Moree, Narrabri, and Inverell areas.

You will work as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team within Mehi Mental Health Service to ensure best outcomes for consumers. You will work closely with, and be supported by, the Rehabilitation Coordinator, Service Manager Mehi, and Service Manager Yimamulinbinkkan Aboriginal Mental Health Service or delegate for cultural guidance and workforce support/cultural clinical supervision. Broader support will also be provided through the Mental Health Rehabilitation Stream.

You will work closely with, and be supported by, the Rehabilitation Coordinator and Service Manager Mehi MHS and Service Manager Yimamulinbinkkan Aboriginal Mental Health Service or delegate for cultural guidance and workforce support/cultural clinical supervision. Broader support will also be provided through the Mental Health Rehabilitation Stream. 

This position is graded as an Occupational Therapist Level 3, Social Worker Level  3, Psychologist, and Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2.
Candidates who have completed a degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental Health (Djirruwang Program) may be appointed as a Counsellor Level 3. 

About you

• You are a motivated and enthusiastic clinician with a passion for assisting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who experience mental health issues to live meaningful lives in the community and to achieve their fullest potential.
• You will be expected to be able to provide cultural knowledge if Aboriginal. If you are non-Aboriginal, to be an ally, and provide advice to your non-Aboriginal colleagues and stakeholders about local cultural protocols and the importance of incorporating holistic social and emotional well-being care in consultation with Aboriginal people.
• You will be dedicated to creating a culturally safe and supportive environment within the team and model self-care as well as demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the local Aboriginal community in which you live and work. You will be able to demonstrate commitment to work and partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, families, and employees to enhance health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and community.
• The successful candidate will have experience working in a mental health setting including knowledge of rehabilitation clinical practice.
• Your high level of verbal and written communication skills will allow you to act as an advocate and consultant for the specific rehabilitation needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with mental health concerns and their families/carers. You will be committed to the maintenance of Aboriginal leadership and wellbeing through participation in regular cultural and or clinical supervision, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit), and participation in the Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal Professional Networking Advisory Committee. 
• Your links to community will assist you in providing direct consultation with Aboriginal communities regarding mental health/rehabilitation services across the sector, and to build strong professional relationships with key stakeholders.
• You will have the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to work together with consumers to achieve their goals.
• Support and encouragement to extend your skills via education and professional development are valued within the team.

What we can offer you

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
   
• ADO’s every month (for full time employees)
   
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees
   
• 6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)
   
• Superannuation contributions
   
• Salary packaging options
   
• Fitness Passport
   
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
   
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Requirements

• This is a targeted Aboriginal position. Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal descent.
  The position is targeted under S21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal applicants must demonstrate Aboriginality in addition to addressing the selection criteria. In the event there are no suitable Aboriginal applicants then applicants from non-Aboriginal applicants will be considered.
• Must hold a qualification in one of the following: Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work or Counselling (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental Health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.

Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description
Find out more about applying for this position
For role-related queries or questions contact Megan Turrell at [email protected] or Shannon McNamara  on [email protected]