Youth Focus is a for-purpose organisation that creates brighter futures for young people in Western Australia by offering a range of no-cost mental health services. Established in 1994, Youth Focus delivers innovative and accessible mental health services and programs across Western Australia to help at-risk young people aged 12 to 25. 

A key component of this is our role as the lead agency for a number of headspace centres, including the dynamic and successful satellite headspace Northam located on Ballardong Noongar Country. 

The headspace mission is to collaborate to design and deliver innovative ways of working with young people to strengthen their mental health and wellbeing. headspace Northam is part of a national network of over 100 headspace centres operating across Australia with the vision of all young Australians being supported to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities. 

• Fixed-term contract until September 2024, with extension in line with funding 




• Part-time position (0.6FTE) 




• Workdays: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (late shift Wednesday ending at 7pm)




• Travel, accommodation, or relocation allowances considered for the right candidate 

About the Role 

We are currently seeking a dedicated Youth Access Clinician to join our headspace Northam team. The key responsibilities of this role include: 

• Work under the direction of the Clinical Lead to provide youth friendly mental health services within headspace Northam 
• Conduct initial screening assessments with young people and their families to provide an immediate response of either external or internal referral. 
• Provide psycho-social assessment using the agreed headspace Northam Centre tool, to determine client suitability for ongoing headspace Northam services. 
• Deliver evidence-based brief interventions, including group interventions and problem solving with young people. 
• Provide specialist youth mental health support to consortium partners and co-located services. 
• Develop case formula and care plans. 
• Provide case coordination to ensure smooth referral transition. 
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and records in the approved database system. 
• Participate in regular clinical case review meetings and multi-disciplinary team meetings to ensure appropriate clinical service pathway and service delivery. 

About You 

To be considered for this position, applicants will have: 

• Tertiary level qualifications in a relevant clinical discipline including psychology, social work, occupational therapy, counselling, or mental health nursing. 
• Current membership and/or registration with an appropriate professional body. 
• Experience working in a tier 2/3 youth mental health environment, with people, families, and community organisations. 
• Demonstrated experience and ability to engage work with and coordinate care for young people aged 12 to 25 years in areas of mental health and substance use intervention. 
• Experience conducting screening and assessment to determine young person’s needs level of risk and referring to other services as appropriate. 
• Passion for working with young people. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience and competence working with vulnerable groups, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or CALD. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team. 
• Well-developed knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, government policies and strategic directions in relation to mental health and alcohol and other drug disorders, particularly as it relates to young people. 
• Competence regarding information technology, software packages and willingness to be trained and implement the headspace Midland Centre and Northam Satellite data collection tools. 
• Must possess a deep understanding and appreciation for diversity within the workforce and within our client and stakeholder base. 
• ‘C’ class Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable vehicle.  
• Flexibility to work one late shift a week. 

To successfully become part of our team, it is just as important to align with our values as it is to meet our selection criteria. Our values are part of who we are and are demonstrated in the way we work every day.

What We Offer

• Accommodation, travel or relocation allowance will be offered if the right candidate for the role is not local to Northam. 
• An opportunity to be part of a person-centred, flexible, family friendly organisation. 
• An inclusive and welcoming environment for all. 
• Competitive salary offerings with the ability to salary sacrifice. 
• Access to professional development opportunities. 
• Additional annual leave, and other leave offerings.
• Generous paid parental and partner leave. 

Applications 

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV and Cover Letter addressing the above-mentioned selection criteria in the ‘About You’ section. 

        Closing date for applications: 9.00am, Monday 24 September 2023.

Please Note:

• Appointment to the role is subject to the successful candidate providing a satisfactory National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check.  
• Shortlisting will commence immediately, and the role may close earlier than the date mentioned above if we find a suitable candidate. 
• Due to the high volume of applications received for our advertised positions, only those applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering Youth Focus as a potential employer 
• For further information or a confidential discussion about the position please contact Human Resources on (08) 6266 4333. 

Youth Focus is committed to ensuring every individual that interacts with us feels safe and is able to bring their whole selves, being welcomed with equity, dignity and respect. In doing so, we understand that we must first include, listen, and reflect in order to build trust, connect, and partner. We celebrate individuality and are guided by the stories and journeys of the communities in which we live and work. Everyone is welcome at Youth Focus.