Mental Health Social Worker

Job No: 120693
Location: Katherine

  • Bring your mental health care experience to one of the largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in the NT!
  • Rewarding opportunity to support the mental & emotional wellbeing of clients, families & staff in remote communities!
  • Competitive base salary circa $90,369 - $110,729 PLUS super & generous salary sacrificing options!
  • Amazing work/life balance, with 6 weeks annual leave giving you the chance to explore the wondrous Australian outback, as well as return home for holidays!

About Sunrise

Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

The Sunrise approach involves Aboriginal communities taking part in controlling their own health. Everything from financial management and governance, staff selection and service delivery priorities are directed by the organisation's Aboriginal Board and Community Health Committees.

Servicing nine communities spread over 45,000 square kilometres, the Sunrise footprint covers Aboriginal communities that are some of the most disadvantaged in the Territory with some of the most complex health issues. Yet despite this, the ethos and practices of Sunrise Health have it be a leader, both nationally and in the Territory, for both national and Territory performance indicators.

Acute health care does not make people well - it is only when health issues and the social determinants of health are addressed, that families and communities become well – a challenge that Sunrise Health is committed to address with each of its communities and with the expectation that each of its employees will adopt and uphold this culture.

A Rewarding Career Opportunity

Sunrise Health Service is currently looking for a full-time Social Worker to join their dedicated, multidisciplinary team in Katherine, NT.

Reporting to the Population Health Outreach Manager and working closely with the Mental Health Nurse, you would be responsible for promoting the social and emotional well-being of clients, their families, and Sunrise's remote-based staff, including activities for the prevention of self-harm or suicide, and the early detection of mental illness.

Your primary responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

  • Promoting mental health awareness and social/emotional well-being by providing information and education to individuals and groups;
  • Screening community members for the early detection of mental health issues, referring at-risk patients to specialised services;
  • Following up with at-risk patients and those referred back after being discharged from specialised services;
  • Assisting with case management, coordination and decision-making for clients requiring mental health care;
  • Implementing and promoting evidence-based standards and policies to comply with relevant professional, industrial or legislative requirements;
  • Facilitating better access to quality care for people with mental health related conditions; and
  • Capturing and sharing clinical information with relevant healthcare providers, including using patient records and relevant data reporting.

What will you need to succeed?

To be successful in this position you will be a qualified Social Worker with demonstrated experience in delivering mental health care to Aboriginal communities, preferably in a remote Australian setting. 

You will have an understanding of the principles of primary health care as they apply to remote locations, and be committed to the objectives and ethos of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations such as Sunrise. With a clear respect for Aboriginal culture, you will be able to practice in a sensitive and culturally safe manner.

Importantly, you'll be a strong team player and able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt your communication style to work effectively with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

Please note: You must be willing to undergo a National Police Check and Working with Children Check, prior to commencing, and hold an unrestricted driver’s licence.

The Benefits

This is a unique and highly rewarding opportunity to expand on your experience and advance your career in remote mental health services. With plenty of variety, working directly with clients throughout the community and home environment, as opposed to a large clinical setting, you'll also have the chance to work with and learn from a senior Aboriginal Mental Health Professional.

You'll enjoy the best of both worlds in this position, with access to support from a large multidisciplinary team while retaining autonomy over your position and responsibilities.

Your hard work and dedication will be rewarded with an attractive base salary circa $90,369 - $110,729 plus super and a range of benefits, including:

  • 6 weeks leave per year;
  • Up to 10 days of study leave;
  • Laptop and Phone;
  • Salary packaging options; and
  • Relocation assistance up to $4,000.

Working at Sunrise Health Service and living in the Katherine region has lifestyle benefits that are unique to the Northern Territory. With the Katherine Gorge on your doorstep and an incredible outdoor lifestyle on offer, combined with some of the best fishing in the world, the Northern Territory is the place to be to make the most of life’s adventures.

About the Katherine Region

A region full of misty waterfalls, untouched gorges, and stunning landscapes, Katherine is the crossroads of Australia's north, where the outback meets the rainforest. The Northern Territory’s third largest town and a thriving modern regional centre, it offers something for everyone, locals and tourists alike.

With plenty of facilities, including a modern shopping complex, boutique stores, a hospital, schools, and several sportsgrounds, you get all of the convenience of a modern town and still have adventure at your doorstep. Explore world-famous national parks, canoe along the mighty Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, or take a dip and unwind at the Katherine Hot Springs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a dedicated team in producing improved mental health outcomes for the community – Apply Now!

 

To apply, please respond to the selection criteria questions below, in place of a cover letter, and attach your resume (in Word or PDF format only) when prompted.

Apply Now

Personal Details * Required field

  1. Digits only or add + for international numbers

  1. (Please click on your profile and copy the URL from your profile page.)

Questions

About Us

Established in 2003, we are proud to be the second largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in the Northern Territory. Headquartered in Katherine, just a short three-hour drive from Darwin, we extend our services to nine remote communities to the east of Katherine, catering to a population of approximately 3,800, predominantly Aboriginal, with a focus on early detection and management of chronic illnesses.

At Sunrise Health, we believe in the holistic approach to healthcare, as reflected in our organisational plan - the Sunrise Way. Our dedicated staff collaborates closely with the Board, communities, and management team to provide comprehensive family-based services that not only address medical needs but also the social determinants of health.

Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation