Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Trainee

Are you looking to kick start your career in mental health? Be supported to get a qualification and receive hands on experience!

The Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Trainee is:

• Based in Armidale
• Closed-term full-time (12 month contract)
• Working Monday to Friday
• Attractive hourly rates equivalent to SCHCADS Level 3 - $38.65/hour  + 12% Super + Tax-Free Salary Packaging

This is an identified role under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. As such, Flourish Australia considers that identifying as Aboriginal to be a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Who Are We Looking For?

The Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Trainee role with Flourish Australia is suitable for people who are new to the sector and looking for an opportunity to be mentored by our experienced teams. 

The role would suit you if you:

• Are undertaking or committed to undertaking a relevant qualification (Certificate or Diploma) and are looking for practical experience working in the community with people with a lived experience of mental health; 
• Have a strong local connection to or interest in working with First Nations communities;
• Have a willingness to engage in learning and skill development opportunities that work toward providing a high quality, person led recovery-oriented service that best supports people to live in their community.

What Will You Be Doing?

As the Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Trainee, you will learn to work in the community with people who have a lived experience of mental health to develop their recovery journey to meet their hope and dreams. The role supports improved engagement with First Nations communities by providing culturally safe, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented supports that build trust, strengthen relationships and recognise the value of shared lived, cultural and community experience. 

This may involve:

• Using your knowledge and understanding of First Nations cultures within the context of supporting people with a lived experience of mental health.
• Supporting people to develop daily living skills such as preparing and cooking meals.
• Accompanying people on outings such as socialisation, recreational activities or attending appointments.
• Collaborating with and making referrals to other culturally appropriate support services so people can achieve their recovery goals.

For more information on the Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Trainee role, please read the position description.

Please note - successful candidates must maintain a Class C driver’s licence and proof of comprehensive insurance must be provided when required.

How Will We Support You?

• Supporting you to register for and complete a relevant qualification in Community Services, Mental Health OR supporting you to gain experience if you are already studying.
• Flexible working conditions based around your study needs including designated class and study time.
• Supportive, culturally appropriate mentoring teams committed to helping you learn.
• Monthly reflective-practice sessions.
• Access to a range of training opportunities (e.g. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Trauma Informed Care, Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training).
• Access to a culturally specific Employee Assistance Program, for confidential wellbeing support.
• Opportunities to potentially transition to our Peer or Mental Health Worker roles after completion qualifications. They are open to anyone who would like an opportunity to grow in this sector.

Who we are

Flourish Australia is one of Australia’s most experienced community mental health organisations. Our purpose is to support people to flourish, believe in their futures, and become contributing members of the community. Our services are comprehensive and highly personalised because each person’s experience will be different and their needs, as an individual, are unique. Together we set goals, connect individuals with the right people, support services and opportunities to meet their needs.

Our positions are open to all suitably qualified applicants. We have a strong commitment to the participation of people with lived experience of mental health issues in our workforce. We value diversity and encourage applications from suitably qualified people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, LGBTQ+ communities and mature age candidates.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

1. Willingness and capacity to undertake a nationally recognised mental health qualification and participate in required learning and development activities.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of, connection to, and respect of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, people and communities.
3. A strong commitment to developing an understanding of recovery-based practice in the workplace.
4. Emerging understanding of the challenges faced by people with a lived experience of a mental health issue.
5. Emerging knowledge of Microsoft Office and knowledge of data information management systems. 
6. Understanding that an investment in personal time may be required for the completion of some learning tasks.
7. Current Australian Driver’s Licence. 

All appointments with Flourish Australia's Mental Health Services are subject compliance checks, previous employment reference checks, and satisfactory Australian residency status. All successful applicants will be required to declare any private or secondary employment prior to commencement in line with Flourish Australia's Private or Secondary Employment Policy. 

For further information, please contact Debra Gibbons, Manager. E: Debra.Gibbons@flourishaustralia.org.au (please do not email applications)

The Benefits

• Level 3 (SCHCADS) on the Flourish Australia Enterprise Agreement (2018) 
• Tax-Free Salary Packaging available up to $15,900
• Generous leave provisions including 17.5% leave loading and 2 additional days of personal leave + extra day paid leave over Christmas/New Year + paid parental leave 
• Family-friendly and flexible working conditions
• Opportunities for career progression, professional development and training such as Mental Health First Aid and ASIST
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential wellbeing support
• Regular supervision (reflective practice), ongoing 1:1 mentoring, strong team support and a comprehensive onboarding program
• Workplace Community Groups such as our Rainbow Network for LGBTQ+ staff members & allies and YarnUp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Personal Fleet pricing discounts with our preferred automotive supplier
• Employee discounts at 400+ popular retailers (Woolworths, Expedia, Myer, Kmart etc)

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete all the questions asked. You will then be required to attach a copy of your resume on the following page, we encourage you to have your resume up-to-date and available before you commence the application.

Applications close on the 4 September at 5pm.