Support major mental health reform in Victoria to ensure that everyone is supported.

In this role you will be part of the launch of one of the first of 60 Mental Health Locals in Victoria.

This is an amazing opportunity to shape the future of peer and community-led mental health services.

This local support is a key recommendation of the recent Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system and promises to make our community a better place to live.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local

Wellways, Mentis Assist and Peninsula Health are working together to provide mental health and wellbeing supports in Frankston to ensure everyone can access treatment and care closer to home.

The new Frankston Mental Health Local will provide welcoming and inclusive support for people aged 26 years and over who are experiencing mental health challenges, including people with co-occurring alcohol and drug addiction treatment and care needs.

We are working with the local community and people who have a personal experience of mental health issues and recovery to build these services so they are the best they can be. Our services will be led by lived experience and coproduced with the local community so they are the best they can be.

The Frankston Mental Health Local is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

Peer navigators will guide people through an intentional journey of evidence-based treatment, care, and support, supporting people to achieve wellbeing and optimal participation in the community.

Main responsibilities of the role include:

• Providing intentional peer support
• Providing one on one service navigation and care planning
• Group peer delivery, Discovery, Thinking About Work
• Capacity building
• Support engagement with treatment supports

Requirements

• Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health, AOD or Tertiary Qualification in Social Science, or 1+ year relevant work experience in the Mental Health Sector or Intentional Peer Support Training
• Personal experience of a mental illness or psychological distress and recovery
• Be comfortable to share personal experiences with program clients within a safe and supported way
• Demonstrated skill in establishing, empowering and supportive partnerships with individuals, families, and carers
• An understanding and demonstrated commitment to social inclusion and diversity
• Prior experience working within the Mental Health or AOD sectors, or a community-based organisation (desirable).

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• Full time, permanent, position available. Benalla and Wangaratta
• Access to salary packaging (Up to $15,999) and leave loading (17%)
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• In the establishment phase the operating hours will be Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm. In 2023 the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local will begin to operate 7 days a week. We are seeking flexibility from employees as this position will be required to work afternoons until 8pm and weekends according to a rotating roster.

The Mental Health Locals teams will have an amazing opportunity to drive much-needed mental health improvements for our communities.

Close Date: 21/06/2022

For a confidential discussion about the role contact Mariana Curti, Recruitment Advisor on 03 7064 1636 or at