Mental Health Worker

Be Part of the Drought Recovery Response. Empower Regional Communities.

UnitingSA is seeking dedicated Mental Health Workers and Peer Support Workers to join our expanding team, delivering mental health support to drought-affected communities across regional South Australia.

These roles, available on a full-time or part-time basis until 30 June 2026, offer the chance to work in a program that recognises the complex and ongoing impact of drought on individuals, families, and communities and the power of early, compassionate, community-based support.

Whether you're a trained peer worker drawing on your own recovery journey, or an experienced mental health worker passionate about mental health and wellbeing, this is your opportunity to help people regain hope, stability, and connection.

About the Program

Funded through the SA Government's drought mental health initiative, this program strengthens access to non-clinical, trauma-informed support in areas affected by drought. You'll walk alongside individuals facing distress, uncertainty, and isolation; to support access to the services they need, reconnect with community, and build resilience for the future.

Where You'll Work

We are recruiting for multiple roles across regional South Australia, with full-time or part-time options available. Each role will support drought-affected communities within a broader regional area. These are flexible, outreach-based positions, not tied to a single site or town.

Base locations will be negotiated with each successful applicant based on your home location and where support is most needed across the region.

The regional areas are:

• Riverland, Murraylands and Mallee Region
• Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Region
• Barossa, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula

These roles require travel as part of regular service delivery. You will work across multiple communities in your region, supported by mobile systems and regular supervision.

Please indicate your preferred location(s) and your availability (full-time or part-time) in your application.

What You'll Do

As a Mental Health Worker or Peer Support Worker, you'll provide outreach-based, person-centred support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges in the context of drought. You will :

• Build trusting, respectful relationships and local connections recognising that informal networks and community trust are essential
• Offer emotional support, advocacy, and hope, grounded in recovery-focused and trauma-informed practice
• Work flexibly and creatively as local needs emerge, shaping your approach in partnership with the community
• Contribute to a learning program by helping identify what works on the ground and where support is most needed
• Bring curiosity, collaboration and care drawing on local strengths, working respectfully with others, and staying focused on what matters for people facing distress
• Collaborate with local services and health providers to ensure coordinated, responsive support
• Stay resilient and solution-focused, even when working in uncertainty. This program is evolving, and you'll help shape how it grows while delivering support on the ground
• Maintain clear, timely client records using our case management systems

For Mental Health Workers :

• Certificate IV or higher in Community Services, Mental Health or related human services field
• Experience working with people with complex psychosocial needs
• A commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-focused care

For Peer Support Workers :

• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (or currently completing)
• Lived experience of mental health recovery and the ability to use your story to inspire others
• Understanding of how to maintain boundaries while using your lived experience in practice

For all applicants :

• Current SA Driver's Licence
• DHS Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check (or ability to obtain)
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity, particularly working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Desirable: An understanding of the social, emotional and practical impacts of drought whether through lived experience, community connection, or prior work in rural or regional settings

What we offer :

• Salary Packaging: Boost your take-home pay with up to $15,900 tax-free and enjoy extra perks like a Meal and Entertainment Card and novated leasing for vehicle savings.
• Leave Loading: Enjoy 17.5% leave loading to give your holiday pay a lift.
• Wellbeing Support: Access our Employee Assistance Programme for professional and personal support, plus discounted health insurance.
• Career Development: Grow with us through regular training and upskilling opportunities.
• Generous Parental Leave: Receive 16 weeks of paid leave to support you during life's big milestones.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear your story

To chat about the role, contact:

• For Riverland, Murraylands and Mallee Region: Lisa Mugford: 0456 548
• For Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Region: Sam Lai: 0410 048
• For Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula: Sam Lai: 0410 048

You can review the Job Description by following the prompts to apply.

We welcome applications from all community members, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with all abilities and diversities.

Our employment screenings vary based on role requirements. These measures ensure we recruit individuals who align with our standards.

Don't forget, you don't need to tick every box

If you require any assistance in submitting your application, please contact our Talent & Acquisition team on 08 8440 2

Applications close Friday, 8th August 2025.

Please note, UnitingSA retains the right to close this advert earlier upon identifying a suitable candidate.

Our application process is mobile-friendly for your convenience.

Click Apply Now or reach out for more information. Let's walk this journey together.