• We are looking for an experienced Support Worker to join our Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect program. 

About the organisation

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the program

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (2021) highlighted the important role played by families, carers and supporters in contributing to the wellbeing of people who are experiencing mental health challenges, psychological distress, mental illness, or substance use issues. To better recognise and support families, carers and supporters, Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres have been established in each Victorian region.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres are led by the experiences of people who have lived/living experience of supporting someone with mental health challenges and/or substance use challenges. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres provide a warm and welcoming space available to family, carers, kin and supporters of all ages and backgrounds, with no need for a referral. They provide opportunities to connect with peers along with tailored information, resources, advocacy, support (individually and group work), and access to brokerage funds through Tandem’s Carer Support Fund.

Jesuit Social Services has been funded to deliver the Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre (the ‘Centre’). In establishing this exciting initiative, Jesuit Social Services is committed to engaging with and employing people with a lived/living experience of support or caring for people who have a mental health and/or substance related issues.

Jesuit Social Services’ Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre is contracted to deliver services two evenings a week and on Saturdays.

About the role

The Support Workers will report to the Coordinator Support Work, Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect and will:

• Deliver high quality, strengths-based, trauma informed, short-medium term support to families and carers who access the Centre.
• Deliver individualised support to people who present at the Centre including service navigation, advocacy, information, referral and resources.
• Provide outreach support to community settings and homes in Western Melbourne.
• Deliver services after hours (the Centre is open two evenings a week until 9pm, and from 10am – 4pm on Saturdays).
• The current role (0.8EFT) is required to work 3 weekdays (option to choose) and Saturday 10-4pm.
• Work with the Coordinator Support Work and broader team to deliver a Centre that is welcoming, driven by the voices of carers and relevant to their needs.
• This role is based on-site in Sunshine

Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development. The salary range for this role is $82,000 - $88,200 (pro rata) + super + salary packaging.

Candidate Requirements

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

1. Relevant tertiary qualification/s and/or experience delivering high quality support services
2. Capacity to fulfil reporting and administrative requirements associated with the position
3. Experience working with a diverse range of participants, including individuals, families, children and carers in community and outreach environments
4. Lived or living experience as a family member, carer or supporter of someone with mental health challenges, or substance use challenges is highly desirable

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:

• A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
• Ongoing role related training and development
• An organisation that is a preferred employer and lives their values, through our day to day work
• A welcoming, collaborative and supportive team environment
• Employee assistance program
• A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
• Generous, above industry leave

How to Apply

• Download the Position Description

• For further information please contact Nick Pace, Manager, Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect on 0437 676 685

Applicants are required to respond to each of the Key Selection Criteria, with names and contact numbers of two referees.

Your responses to the selection criteria should be incorporated into your covering letter.

Please apply in confidence.

Applications may be reviewed prior to the closing date and may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment

A position description is attached.