Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Trainee

CQID is experiencing enormous organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.

CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.

Purpose of the Position

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Trainee is an identified position providing the opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in Mental Health while gaining paid, practical experience. This role supports CQID and Flourish Australia's vision to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workforce and increase culturally safe support in our communities.

CQID recognises cultural knowledge, connections and lived experience as valuable skills and strengths for this role.

This role may be required at times to travel to relevant locations for service delivery or program/practice development purposes.

Key Features

• Paid employment at SCHADS equivalent Level 2-3 (depending on experience).
• Structured support: Cultural mentoring from respected community members and professional and peer mentoring from CQID and Flourish staff.
• Onboarding: Three-month initial establishment phase based at CQID.
• Work placement: After initial onboarding (approximately 3 months), two days per week alongside Flourish Australia workers.
• Training: Supported to enrol and complete Cert IV in Mental Health, including face-t-face training and peer support.
• Progression: Successful trainees may be considered for ongoing roles with CQID or Flourish Australia.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Engage in all learning, training and professional development activities required for the traineeship and Cert IV qualification.
• Participate in regular cultural mentoring, professional supervision, and peer learning.
• Work alongside experienced CQID and Flourish Australia staff to support people with mental health and wellbeing needs, including: assisting in client engagement, group programs, and one-on-one support, promoting recovery, empowerment and cultural identity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
• Practice in a culturally safe, strengths-based, and trauma-informed manner at all times.
• Adhere to organisational policies, workplace health and safety, confidentiality, and quality standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and service development by sharing feedback and ideas.'
• Build respectful and professional relationships with clients, families, Elders, community partners and other staff.
• Maintain accurate records for compliance, evaluation, and reporting.
• Other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor or mentor.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate capability in the following areas:

Essential

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Willingness and capacity to undertake a Certificate IV in Mental Health.
• Holds a current C Class Queensland Driver's Licence.
• Current Working with Children Check, 'Blue Card.'
• Holds or is willing to obtain a First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing mental health challenges.
• Strong cultural knowledge, connections, and willingness to draw on lived and community experience.
• An awareness of Indigenous communities and cultures and the historical and contemporary issues relevant to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, and proven capacity to communicate appropriately.

Desirable

• Experience volunteering or working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, health, wellbeing or support settings
• Understanding of the strengths and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Central Queensland
• Knowledge of local communities, cultural protocols, and kinship structures
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds

Mentoring and Support

• All trainees are matched with a cultural mentor and a professional mentor (from Flourish Australia) throughout the traineeship
• Peer support groups and face-to-face learning blocks are provided
• Ongoing supervision and support from CQID and Flourish Australia supervisors

Special Conditions

• This position is identified and only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)
• the role may require travel to community locations and some out-of-hours work for community events and training
• Appointment to this position is subject to a satisfactory Working with Children (Blue Card) clearance