Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker

About PYMHWS

The Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) provides dedicated mental health care to young people aged 12-25 in Melbourne's north and west, along with their families, carers, supporters and kin. PYMHWS is Victoria's first standalone public mental health service built exclusively around young people's needs, centering every decision on what young people require. Working in partnership with Orygen, PYMHWS combines world‑leading research, clinical excellence and dedicated governance to deliver seamless, person‑centred care. Our singular focus on youth means we're not just providing mental health care – we're reimagining how it's experienced, accessed, and delivered.

Building on Orygen's pioneering legacy, PYMHWS will maintain clinical excellence while Orygen continues as an essential partner providing research and innovation. For more information, visit pymhws.org.au.

The Opportunity

FYMHS provides specialist youth mental health care in custodial settings (Parkville and Cherry Creek sites) to young people and their families/carers. Our service is made up of compassionate, curious, and committed people. We are excited to welcome an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker to our diverse team.

• 2 year Fixed-Term | Full-Time 1.0 EFT | Parkville based
• Support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people in custody

Salary packaging, 5 weeks annual leave and Monthly ADO; flexible working arrangements including remote work where possible; and an employee wellbeing focus with access to EAP. This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under "special measures" of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About The Role

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker promotes and enhances the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who are currently on remand or sentenced within a Youth Justice custodial precinct. This role also supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to have increased opportunities and access to mental health services within their local community upon release from custody, and builds collaborative pathways with key stakeholders to support this transition phase.

What You'll Do

• Provide cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their families accessing our service
• Offer cultural guidance to clinicians to support healing and reduce trauma
• Enhance culturally responsive care within a multidisciplinary team
• Strengthen relationships and referral pathways with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
• Collaborate with Youth Justice Aboriginal Liaison Officers to support the Wirkara Kulpa strategy

The position will work at Parkville & Cherry Creek Youth Justice Custodial Precincts. When travelling to other site locations, a company car will be provided and travel is included in work hours.

Cultural Considerations And Training

• Custodial FYMHS acknowledges the importance of cultural and wellbeing supports and supervision for the role, led by consultation with community and the successful applicant. Ceremonial and cultural leave will be provided
• Custodial FYMHS will support and fund you to complete an accredited course in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing
• An example course could include those run by the Victoria Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO); ideas will be discussed with you
• Possible courses, entry requirements, available funding and eligibility will be discussed with the successful applicant

Other Community Networks And Supports Include

• PYMHWS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social & Emotional Wellbeing workers
• Community gatherings
• PYMHWS First Nations team
• Aboriginal Community
• Aboriginal Youth Justice Operations team
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health Community of Practice
• Justice Health social and emotional wellbeing working group

About You

No formal qualifications are required for this role. The successful applicant will be supported to complete an accredited course in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing. You should be an individual of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background (pursuant to Section 14 (d) of the Anti-discrimination Act NSW 1977) with active engagement and links to Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Demonstrated relationships with First Nations communities and ACCOs, and experience in working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people who have mental health difficulties and their families/carers are preferred.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're looking to be part of something truly meaningful—we'd love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion, contact Ingrid Cranston, FYMHS Stream Lead (0417 822 204). Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Recruitment is ongoing, with interviews commencing as suitable candidates are received. Advertising may cease prior to the closing date. Please APPLY NOW. To view the position description, please visit PYMHWS.org.au

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