Here at the Caroline Chisholm Society (CCS) we believe in the empowerment of women and families; it’s one of our values. We do this by providing services and supports to mothers, babies, and young children. Our work is inspired by Caroline Chisholm, a woman of uncompromising determination in wanting better social and economic outcomes for women and children.

The Perinatal Mental Health Practitioner (PHMP) is a new and part time (.6EFT) role, providing psychological assessment, counselling and intervention for women presenting with mental health issues. The role will also provide social care to women and their children, experiencing challenges before, during and after pregnancy, with a focus on the First 1000 Days. Responsibilities will include working with mothers to manage the psycho-social conditions they experience during and after birth as well as providing psychological assessment and intervention predominately for women presenting with mental health issues ranging from pre-conception through to parenting/attachment support for children. This role may also provide bereavement support to women experiencing loss and trauma.

The PMHP role works across all teams as part of a multi-disciplinary team approach to deliver counselling support and mental health interventions including supporting client’s mental health plans. The role involves providing psychological counselling, non-directive counselling, potential for group work, and support using evidence-based, short-term psychological interventions. This includes undertaking mental health assessments, some case management, providing psycho-education or single sessions to women to assist in supporting the mother in her environment.

The successful applicant will have counselling experience and a strong understanding of prenatal and mental health issues experienced by women including loss and trauma. You will have good communication, risk management, intervention, assessment and judgement skills.

Appointment is subject to holding a current driver’s licence, and successful conclusion of a police records check and working with children check.

Please note that this is a 12 month role to commence immediately.

The position while based at the Essendon office, may require visits to the Society’s Caroline Springs location as well as attending home visits with practitioners.

A position description is attached.