headspace provides young people with access to Allied Health Professionals and community supports that they need to develop and maintain the skills and confidence to live healthy and happy lives. The centre also engages in community awareness and seeks to develop and implement innovative programs to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the region. Relationships Australia Canberra & Region is the lead agency for headspace Wagga Wagga and is supported by a Consortium.

Relationships Australia is a community sector organisation with a proud and rich history. We connect with families, communities, and thousands of people across the lifespan. You may know us for our family and couples counselling. We also give back to the community through our work in family violence prevention, working with people experiencing gambling harm, with families that have been touched by the sudden death of a loved one, with people who have experienced trauma and with people who are challenged by their mental health, among other things. With us you will work with people at times of vulnerability in their lives, create a career you’ll love and join a warm and caring team who make a difference.

Your new role

• Full time, fixed term up to March 2025
• Located in Wagga Wagga, NSW
• Annual salary between $89,166.58 to $90,403.28

The headspace Youth Access Worker provides case management services within the context of an integrated mental health service (headspace Wagga Wagga) for young people who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or may be at risk of developing one. The position operates within the operational and geographical boundaries of the headspace Wagga Wagga service.

Duties:

In consultation with the Manager, headspace Wagga Wagga, the Youth Access Worker:

• Engages with young people aged 12-25 who are (or are at risk of) experiencing mental health or drug and alcohol problems. Providing comprehensive mental health assessment, case coordination, intervention or group work as required.

• Providing Brief Intervention Model (Single Session) of care; up to 6 sessions for those mild-moderate, short term, goal orientated focused psychological therapy.
• Provides a culturally safe and supportive approach to engaging First Nations young people and other young people from culturally and socially diverse backgrounds.
• Complies with relevant ethical and legal requirements governing Mental Health services including headspace and MPHN policies and procedures, and position scope of practice.

What you’ll need to succeed

1. Qualification in the field of Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Counselling or Social Science. Current registration/membership with at least one of the following: Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Australian Association for Social Workers (AASW); Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and Level 2 or above Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
2. Demonstrated experience in undertaking assessments and assertive case management and recognised training in brief intervention and/or supportive counselling of young people.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity to the cultural and mental health needs of young people (12-25 years) and their families to work holistically with young people around mental health, health and wellbeing needs, family and domestic violence and youth from diverse backgrounds.
4. Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, culturally diverse and LGBTQIA communities, and demonstrated passion for and interest in, the health and wellbeing issues affecting young people.

For a full list of duties and selection criteria, please refer to the position description found via racr.org.au/careers.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.

What you’ll get in return

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded not-for-profit, community-based organisation in a position where you will have the opportunity to continue to grow and develop your career. You will receive a generous package including professional development and NFP salary packaging. In this role you will be able to make a positive difference in the lives of people in the community every day.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in the role, please submit your resume with names of two work related referees and a cover letter specifically addressing each of the selection criteria (no more than half a page response under each criterion). Applications that do not address selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications should be submitted only via the “Apply Now” button on our website.

Position description with selection criteria is available at our careers page.

For further information about the position or application process, please contact Human Resources at (02) 6923 9100 or by email [email protected], using the subject line: Youth Access Worker - headspace Wagga Wagga enquiry via EthicalJobs.