about the role

MATES in Construction is an evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention program for the construction industry.

MATES leverages industry participation and support to further imbed suicide prevention and mental health awareness into the industry.

MATES delivers an integrated program of community development and support, utilising training as a tool to raise awareness about suicide and mental health in the construction industry.

Support is provided through clear pathways including education, training, and workforce capacity building – building communities of MATES who can look out for MATES. The program is adapted to mirror safety structures onsite and engages the entire workforce in providing a mentally safer and healthier workplace.

The tiers of education and training include:

• General Awareness Training (GAT) – which engages everyone in the workforce on mental health awareness and encourages questioning of established stigma. The training discusses the issues of suicide, mental health/suicide risk tipping points, recognition of risk and ability to offer help towards suicidal individuals.

• Connector Training – which supports workplace volunteers to be trained as gatekeepers who are encouraged to take a leadership role in the promotion of a mentally healthier workplace and have the skills to keep a MATE safe and connect them to help.

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – which provides onsite volunteers with additional skills to support a MATE who may have suicidal thoughts. These workers can be compared to the first aid officer on-site. ASIST workers will talk to a person contemplating suicide with the object of making this person “safe”. Using simple skills, an ASIST worker will listen to the persons concerns and respond to them appropriately with the object of developing a contract or a safe plan with the at-risk worker.

MATES further supports the site and volunteer network through ongoing site initiatives and referral for workers experiencing suicide and mental health issues. Regular Field Officer visits help build a sense of community and enable the community to further help themselves – MATES looking out for MATES. Direct support is available through a dedicated 24/7 telephone support line for construction workers and their families.

MATES also provides access to ongoing Case Management support to members of the construction industry who are at risk of suicide, or who have been affected by suicide.

Role Details

• Division: MATES in Construction
• Reports to: CEO MATES in Construction QLD/NT; Senior Case Manager MATES Qld-NT.
• Location: Brisbane, Queensland
• Hours: 16 Hours per week.

Role Responsibilities

The role is responsible for:

• Providing short-term case management to a caseload of predominately construction workers across Australia, using a brokerage model (assessing workers needs and issues and developing an appropriate plan).

• Referring workers to existing workplace (e.g., EAP) and/or community services as required.

• Overseeing the quality, responsiveness and availability of external service providers (establishing new, and managing existing, relationships with external service providers).
• Providing on-site support through critical incident and/or post-vention response.
• Answering the MATES 24/7 Telephone Helpline during office hours (8am to 4pm Monday to Friday), as required.
• Providing some MATES training (GAT and Connector), as required.
• Working collaboratively with other Case Managers and Field Officers nationally.
• Maintaining regular Case Management records in the national database in adherence to policies, procedures and legislation; and collecting and maintaining confidential data and case management statistics.
• Participating in relevant research projects and actively promoting the MATES research agenda.
• Participating in regular staff meetings, supervision, workshops, debriefs and training as required.

Role Requirements

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work or Psychology and registration (or ability to gain) with relevant professional body (e.g., AASW or AHPRA).
• Demonstrated experience in case management and an in-depth knowledge of mental health and suicide within a community context.
• A willingness to work with the existing LivingWorks ASIST intervention model.
• Ability to deliver programs effectively and be comfortable speaking/presenting to groups.
• The ability to work autonomously and manage your own priorities.
• A flexible and mature mindset, along with a calm, measured approach to working in a reactive environment.
• Effective communication skills; and excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Problem solving skills and ability to multi-task

Desirable:

• A demonstrated understanding of the Queensland Construction Industry and its key stakeholders, including Unions, Employers and Employer Associations.

• Knowledge and experience in training and/or group facilitation.
• Demonstrated experience working within the sector using a partnership, strengths-based and client-centred approach.

Other Relevant Information

• A current state/territory Australian driver’s license is required.
• The role requires a capacity to work outside of normal business hours at times, as well as a willingness to travel intra and interstate on occasion.
• All MATES staff are responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, complying with MATES Health and Safety policies.
• MATES is an EEO Employer.
• This description is indicative of the range of job requirements and accurately reflects the requirements of the role at the time of writing. Due to the nature of the work environment, changes may occur to this role over time. The job comprises other duties as required.

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