Family Life - Transforming lives for stronger communities

• Work locally in the Dandenong and Cranbourne area and make a difference within our Community
• Enjoy flexible work options and a great team culture
• Full-time, Permanent opportunity, 38 hours per week (1 FTE)
• Level 6 SCHADS Award $106,387.84 FTE + Generous Salary Packaging + Super

Family Life is a recognised Employer of Choice. Work with us and be part of our supportive, people-focused culture.

The Opportunity

The Mental Health Clinician is a Full Time Permanent role based in Dandenong, Bunurong Land, but works in an outreach capacity, providing high quality specialist mental health support including, but not limited to, staff consultation and direct support to children and adolescents experiencing low level mental health issues; and their families who may be impacted by trauma and mental illness. This service is in line with professional, national and state requirements and involves working with culturally diverse individuals and families. In addition to their primary responsibilities, the clinician will support the Team leader, serving as a key point of contact during their absence and managing more complex cases as required.

Key Responsibility Areas

The key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Applying a clinical lens to the provision of support and consultation with members of the SHINE and Connect teams and possibly at times, more widely across the organisation.
• Facilitating regular case review meetings to support the team in identifying, assessing and managing mental health and other concerns to best meet client needs.
• Hold a case load of clients experiencing trauma and complex mental health and other issues.
• Consult and work collaboratively with practitioners on complex cases.
• Collaborate with both internal and external services, with an aligned response to case work.
• Utilise frameworks and therapeutic approaches such as Trauma Informed Practice, Safe & Together, Best Interest, Strength Based Practice etc, while taking a whole-of-family approach.
• Use of a range of evidenced-based interventions to support families affected by mental illness.
• Support the team in broadening their understanding and utilisation of various interventions and therapeutic approaches, such as, but not limited to, effective case management, counselling, family work, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), parenting and strength-based support.
• Offer support and serve as the lead practitioner within the team during the team leader’s absences

Our Ideal Candidate at Family Life

• Growth Mindset - You pride yourself for your commitment to resilience and continuous improvement. You see growth opportunities as opposed to failures, and you are always on the lookout for an improved workflow or process. You think creatively, value input and feedback from peers, and adapt to changing or unforeseen circumstances.
• Curiosity - You naturally seek out learning opportunities and further information without being prompted to by your manager. You clarify the ‘Why’ and like to investigate and explore further information.

• Proactivity - You are a positive influence on your colleagues, you opt-in to support organisational projects, and always lend a hand to support others.

Other Key Selection Criteria include:

1. A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field, and at least two years of experience in a clinical mental health setting.
2. Proficiency in clinical assessments, complex case management, and working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
3. Strong understanding of intersectionality and the broader service system is essential.
4. Excellent time management, written and oral communication skills, and the ability to develop productive relationships with stakeholders.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client information management systems
6. Dedicated, reliable, self-driven

Who we are

At Family Life, we believe every child deserves to thrive in a safe and healthy family environment. Family Life is a specialist family services provider that has worked with children, families and communities for more than 50 years. Our vision is to work with clients and partners to create capable communities, strong families and thriving children.

We are known for our innovation and whole-of-community collective impact approach. Our teams are committed to transforming the lives of our clients and communities to build resilience and healthy relationships. We are proudly purpose-driven, independent and not for profit. We support our community through our specialist family services, community strengthening programs, a network of op shops, a vibrant engaged volunteer community and passionate skilled staff.

Working at Family Life - more than just a job!

It’s the feeling of knowing that your work is contributing to making the community in which you live a better place and working with others who feel the same way.

Additionally, you will have access to:

• Flexible work options and a great team culture
• Salary packaging (receive up to an extra $18,500 in tax-free pay per year)
• Paid Wellbeing Leave
• Paid Study Leave
• Additional Paid Leave for End of Year Closedown
• Purchased Annual Leave Scheme
• Rostered Day Off Scheme for Eligible Employees
• Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service for employees

How to Apply

A full position description is available here.

Please submit your confidential application including a CV and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria via the Apply Now link. 

For further information regarding the position please contact Rebecca Thompson, Program Manager – Family Safety & Wellbeing on (03) 8599 5433.

*We will be reviewing applications as they are received, therefore this role may close sooner if we find the right candidate. Please apply now to ensure you do not miss out!

All offers of employment are subject to the Family Life Safety Screening process, including a Working with Children Check and Police Records Check.Any person issued with a negative notice on their Working with Children Check will not be eligible for employment with Family Life.

Family Life values diversity and welcomes applicants who meet the position criteria, irrespective of race and ethnicity, colour, age, gender, gender identity, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

Family Life is a trauma informed organisation and recognises the unique skills, contributions and insights that come from lived experience.

Family Life is a child safe organisation. We value, respect and listen to children and young people. We are committed to the safety of all children and young people. Family Life supports children to meet their potential and thrive. We do not tolerate neglect, mistreatment or abuse of any kind.