Mental Health Worker

Position Purpose:

Responsible for proactively promoting mental health improvement in the community, focusing on suicide prevention.

Reports to:

RFDS Primary Health Care Coordinator

Position Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Promote mental health and/or reduce the risk or severity of mental health disorders among people who are not necessarily identified as clients receiving services through the mental health system;
• Provide services such as education, consultation and information to people who are at risk of suicide;
• Work with existing service providers to reduce duplication and provide community outreach to persons who need primary mental health services that do not seek traditional clinic-based services due to a multitude of factors;
• Work with the community-at-large, and provide a proactive way to address needs of those who do not or will not utilise traditional mental health services;
• Work with the rural health workers, exercise physiologist, and other service providers (either local or visiting) to provide social and emotional support for people in rural and remote areas to better manage their health conditions and to avoid potential preventable hospitalisations;
• Coordinate with mental health services/programs and develop multi program approaches and links;
• Maintain client confidentiality;
• Work autonomously and as part of a team;
• An understanding of person-centredness, health literacy, and social determinants of health;
• Adhere to compliance, legislation, policies and procedures;
• Ensure a safe working environment by complying with relevant work health and safety legislation, policies and procedures; and
• Be prepared to undergo further training and development as required.

Working Relationships:

External

• Community Groups
• Clients
• Mental Health Agencies
• Local and visiting service providers
• Hospitals and General Practice
• Primary Health Tasmania
• Local Government Authority representative

Internal

• RFDS Primary Health Care Coordinator
• RFDS Rural Health Worker
• RFDS Exercise Physiologist
• Other RFDS staff and programs

Scope:

Direct reports: nil

Selection Criteria:

1. Relevant associate diploma or certificate qualification or at least 2 years relevant experience in the mental health sector;
2. Suicide prevention training;
3. Ability to conduct needs assessment and planning;
4. Possess the knowledge of mental health support services in the region;
5. Project management and organizational skills, manage multiple deadlines and efficiently identify and resolve issues;
6. Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team; and
7. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Mandatory requirements:

• Tasmanian Drivers Licence;
• Current National Police and working with vulnerable people check;
• Current First Aid certificate;
• Flexible Hours - willing to work night and weekends as required; and
• Travel within Tasmania, including overnight.

Award Remuneration:

Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010