Position Profile: Assesses and prioritises clients welfare needs and undertakes appropriate interventions. Provides information, assistance and support to clients, families and or carers as required. Provides information on eligibility for benefit entitlements, assist with applications and liaises with Centrelink and other government agencies to ensure entitlements are received and maintained. Develops and maintains welfare resources, provides updates to clinical staff regarding accommodation availability and referral process.

This is a Permanent Full Time appointment.

Area Profile: The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Midwest health region of Western Australia covers more than 470,000 square kilometres, nearly one fifth of the State, with its population concentrated along the coast. The region is located in the northern middle section of Western Australia and incorporates three health districts - Gascoyne, Geraldton, Midwest and Murchison, is recognised for its unique natural environment and is a culturally diverse region with Aboriginal people representing 13% of the overall population.

Suitability Criteria:

Suitability recognises that a range of factors contribute to merit, including skills, knowledge, abilities, behaviours, ethical alignment and relevant operational requirements. The suitability requirements below are derived from the Job Description Form and define what will be assessed to determine your suitability for the role:

Essential

1. Qualifications in Welfare Studies or equivalent relevant qualification and eligibility for full or provisional registered membership of Community Work Australia (previously knowns as Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers (AIWCW).
2. A demonstrated knowledge and understanding (or ability and willingness to gain knowledge and understanding) of Aboriginal family structure, culture and customs, including an understanding of the related practical and emotional issues of working with Aboriginal individuals with mental health disorders and their families.
3. Understanding of mental illness, contemporary interventions and the ability to apply a recovery framework to clinical interventions.
4. Well developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
5. Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
6. Ability to effectively plan, organise and time manager.
7. Eligible for / or in possession of a current C or C-A Class drivers licence or other specialised licence class.

Desirable

1. An understanding of alcohol and drug related issues as they related to the management of mental illness.
2. Current knowledge and commitment to Equal Opportunity, Disability Services and Occupational Safety and Health in all aspects of employment and service delivery.

Employee Benefits: In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):

• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information on superannuation click here
• Access to generous salary packaging arrangements
• Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance
• Flexible working arrangements
• Flexible leave arrangements
• Other professional and location based allowances

For Further Job Related Information: We encourage you to contact Sisi Soosanayakam on 0455 423 304.

Applicants are required to provide:

• A statement addressing the suitability criteria, (maximum 3 pages) outlining your skills, experience, knowledge and what you will bring to the role
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) summarising your relevant experience and ability to meet the position requirements
• The names and contact details of two (2) professional referees, preferably including your current or most recent manager

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation.

Further information about the role, including key duties please see the Job Description Form (available online at www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au). 

Application Instructions: Applicants are requested to apply online (www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au). 
 
Eligibility to Apply: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have valid Australian work rights. This includes visa holders. Permanent appointments may be made to individuals who hold citizenship, permanent residency, or visas that enable ongoing employment in Australia. 

WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We are committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities. WA Health supports flexible working practices within the context of a quality health service. WA Health is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.

Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal record screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.

This vacancy is subject to a Western Australian Working With Children (WWC) Check. For further information please refer to the WWC website at: https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au

Please note this recruitment process requires completion of satisfactory Pre-Employment Health Assessment (PEHA). Any offer of employment with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is conditional on satisfactory PEHA to ensure you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the position. An unsatisfactory PEHA will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn. Please see the attached WACHS PEHA Policy for further information.

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for other ‘similar’ vacancies within WACHS and/or the wider WA public sector. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued and empowered. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and drives innovation to meet our community’s needs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences to join us in shaping a more equitable future and as a measure to achieve equality, under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, encourage applications from people living with a disability, Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women and youth (24 years of age and under).

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.

Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted.
 
LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.