Mental Health Worker

**Your LINC** is a mental health outreach service provided by Centacare in partnership with KWY Aboriginal Corporation. We offer holistic, flexible, and culturally responsive psychosocial support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges and distress across the Adelaide Metro, Barossa, Hills, Fleurieu, Limestone Coast, and Local Health Network regions.

**The Role**

Centacare Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling (MHWaCS) Unit, under our Your LINC program, offers multiple opportunities for full-time and part-time (0.8 FTE) positions as Mental Health Support Workers within the NALHN area.

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in supporting individuals develop life skills, offering emotional support, and cultivating a safe, nurturing environment. Your responsibilities will include offering personalized psychosocial support to individuals and their families or carers, aiding in goal setting, exit planning, and transitioning to NDIS services (where applicable). Our program offers both short-term (6 weeks) and longer-term (4-12month) mental health outreach services to address the challenges and distress faced by individuals. Join us in making a profound impact in the lives of those in need.

To learn more about the YOUR LINC program, please refer to the position description.

Other responsibilities
- Advocate for individuals when needed and support them in regaining self-advocacy skills.
- Coordinate NDIS processes, evidence gathering, access completion, advocacy during planning, and successful transition to or re-engagement with NDIS services.
- Facilitate group work based on the needs of the current cohort of clients.
- Support carers by recognizing their role, treating them as care partners, providing timely information, and referring them to additional support.
- Conduct client and worker assessments, formulate case plans, and adjust supports based on changing needs.
- Establish relationships and referral pathways to create local support networks for clients.
- Document case notes accurately and manage data effectively using designated systems.

**About You**

As a seasoned mental health professional, you bring valuable expertise in working directly with individuals facing mental health challenges, alongside their families and carers. You excel in making sound decisions even in high-pressure situations and have a knack for de-escalating crises effectively. Your strong interpersonal and listening skills enable you to build trust and rapport with key stakeholders. Moreover, your commitment to providing excellent customer service ensures that client needs are met promptly and efficiently through careful planning and prioritization.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Certificate 4 level qualification in Mental Health (non-clinical) or equivalent.
- Experience working directly with individuals, families, and carers facing mental health challenges.
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong planning and prioritization skills to meet client service needs.
- Proficiency in documenting client case notes and using electronic databases.
- Demonstrated understanding of available community services, networks and supports.
- Demonstrated experience working with the recovery framework and taking a trauma informed approach to practice.
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and de-escalate crises.
- Valid Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check.

**Desirable**
- Degree in relevant Human Services discipline.
- Experience using Penelope electronic client management system.

**Special Conditions**
- Flexibility is essential in this role - some work outside of standard hours may be required, and ability to work on weekends.
- Willingness to take part in Centacare’s fleet car program or grey fleet your personal vehicle.

**What's in it for you**
- Competitive remuneration SCHADS Level 4, $41.52 per hour + Super
- 6 weeks parental leave for primary carer and 2 weeks for secondary carer
- Generous salary packaging options available.
- Discounted Health Insurance with BUPA.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Ability to participate in a range of quality and special interest forums
- Quality accredited and reputable organisation

**Who we are**

Each year, we support more than 30,000 people through community services in metropolitan and regional South Australia, operating within a strong ethical framework. We are client focused and provide support regardless of race, economic circumstance, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief or ethnic background. Centacare is a Child Safe, Quality Accredited Organisation and is a registered NDIS provider. We value the uniqueness of individuals, we consult, collaborate and operate with integrity and professionalism. Centacare is committed to cultivating a harmonious workplace free from harassment and discrimination. Equal opportunity principles align with our mission, vision and values