Mental Health Support Officer

**Position Description - Mental Health Support Worker (Level 3.1 SCHADS)**

**Position Title**: Mental Health Support Worker
**Classification**: SCHADS Award 2010 - Social and Community Services Employee Level 3.1
**Employment Type**: Part-Time - 12 hours per week
**Reports to**: CEO, Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network
**Location**: Evolve Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub - Charlestown

**Position Purpose**

The Mental Health Support Worker will provide person-centred, recovery-oriented support to individuals accessing the Evolve Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub. The role focuses on promoting social connection, wellbeing, and help-seeking through engagement, referral, and community connection.

This position contributes to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for people experiencing psychological distress, isolation, or reduced wellbeing.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Client Support**
- Provide one-to-one and group-based support for individuals accessing the Hub.
- Use lived and learned experience to offer empathetic, non-clinical support.
- Assist clients in identifying strengths, goals, and relevant support services.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality in all client interactions.
- Support referral pathways to relevant mental health, community, and social services.

**Community Engagement**
- Welcome and engage visitors, creating a safe and inclusive environment.
- Support delivery of wellbeing activities, workshops, and community events.
- Assist in promoting the Hub within the local community.

**Administration & Reporting**
- Maintain accurate records and case notes in accordance with policy.
- Contribute to evaluation processes, data collection, and reporting as required.
- Work cooperatively within a small multidisciplinary team and attend supervision.

**Workplace & Safety**
- Adhere to organisational policies, procedures, and the SCHADS Award.
- Maintain awareness of personal safety and duty of care in all interactions.
- Participate in regular team meetings and training opportunities.

**Key Selection Criteria**

**Essential**
- Demonstrated experience or strong understanding of mental health and wellbeing support.
- Ability to build rapport and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice.
- Ability to work independently and within a small team.
- Competent computer and record-keeping skills.
- Current Working With Children Check, Police Check, and First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain).

**Desirable**
- Completion of, or progress toward, a minimum level of Certificate IV in Mental Health, Peer Work, or Community Services.
- Lived experience of mental health recovery or supporting someone experiencing mental health challenges.

**Employment Details**
- **Award**: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS)
- **Level**: 3.1
- **Pay Rate (as of July 2025)**: $38.65 per hour + 11.5% superannuation
- **Hours**: 12 hours per week (flexible roster, may include some evening or weekend work)
- **Tenure**: Fixed-term 12 months or ongoing dependent on funding

**Organisational Context**

The **Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network (LMNSPN)** is a community-based organisation focused on suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and wellbeing initiatives.

The **Evolve Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub** provides a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where people can access information, peer connection, and community-based mental health support.

**Job Type**: Part-time

Pay: $38.65 per hour

Expected hours: 12 per week

Work Location: In person