Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER MENTAL HEALTH WORKER

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS)

2 year Fixed-Term | Full-Time 1.0 EFT | Parkville

Support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people in custody.

• Join Victoria's newest Public Mental Health Service dedicated to youth
• 2 year Fixed-Term | Full-time 1.0 EFT | Parkville based
• Salary Packaging | 5 weeks Annual Leave | Monthly ADO

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 Us:

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) is Victoria's newest public mental health service dedicated to the care of young people aged 12 to 25 experiencing complex mental health challenges.

PYMHWS is leading a bold and values-driven transformation in youth mental health care across Melbourne's north and west. We exist to walk alongside young people, their families, carers, supporters and kin delivering care that is accessible, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed, and grounded in lived experience. Our service model is shaped by the voices of young people and their communities, and underpinned by a commitment to safety, equity, and continuous learning.

At PYMHWS, we are working with our community and partners to build in a future where all young people can access world-class mental health support, close to home. As we grow, we are looking for passionate, skilled, and visionary professionals to join us in shaping a new era of youth mental health in Victoria.

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. As we continue to grow, we are excited to welcome an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker to our diverse team.

Why Join PYMHWS?

• Be part of building a legacy for youth mental health in Victoria
• Work alongside passionate, visionary leaders in a values-led organisation
• Salary packaging options, up to $11,600 tax free earnings
• 5 weeks Annual Leave and Monthly ADO for full-time employees
• Flexible working arrangements including remote work options where possible
• Employee wellbeing focused, access to EAP
• Flexible, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

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. As such, this will be led by consultation with community and the successful applicant. You will be provided with ceremonial and cultural leave
• 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) however we'd love to discuss your ideas 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

Be an individual of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background (pursuant to Section 14 (d) of the Anti-discrimination Act NSW 1977)

Active engagement and links with Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Demonstrated relationships with First Nations communities and ACCOs

Demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people who have experiences mental health difficulties, and their families/carers

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

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Recruitment is ongoing, with interviews commencing as soon as suitable candidates are received. Advertising may cease prior to the closing date.

Please APPLY NOW. To view the position description, please visit our careers page -