Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) is a new, dedicated public youth mental health service and is the first of its kind in Australia. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team.

ABORIGINAL SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING WORKER

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS)

Ongoing Permanent | Part-Time 0.8 EFT (4 days per week) | 📍 Multi site (Footscray, Parkville, Sunshine, Werribee)

Support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people accessing mental health services.

• Join Victoria’s newest Public Mental Health Service dedicated to youth
• Permanent role | Part-time 0.8 EFT (4 days per week) | Northwest suburbs
• Salary Packaging | Fitness Passport | EAP & Wellbeing programs

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:

Forming a part of the PYMHWS Acute Services, the PYMHWS Inpatient Unit (IPU) in Footscray is a 16-bed low dependency area and a further three beds (ICA – West) for targeted specialised service delivery for young people with complex mental health and psychosocial needs. Our unit adheres to a philosophy of least restrictive practice, that is recovery focussed and young person centred.

ICA – East is a specialised service within the PYMHWS IPU, designed to provide targeted treatment for young people aged 18–24 who are under the care of Youth Justice. Young people admitted to ICA – East are treated under the MHWA 2022 Secure Treatment Order.

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 Social and Emotional Wellbeing 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
• 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 Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker promotes and enhances the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who are admitted to the PYMHWS Inpatient Unit in Footscray, or who are community case managed.

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.

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)

The position will work at the Footscray Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Parkville & community-based teams. When travelling to other site locations, a company car will be provided, and travel is included in work hours.

Cultural Considerations and Training:

• 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 and Torres Strait Islander mental health Community of Practice

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 Liam Burke, Inpatient Nurse Unit Manager - 0448 618 170

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.

To view the full Position Description, please click HERE

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Record Check and a Working with Children Check. Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of an immunisation assessment prior to commencement.

PYMHWS stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work and care. We are proud to be a workplace that champions diversity, inclusion and equality for our staff and our community.  Our goal is for our people to feel safe, included and supported so that they can be at their best every single day. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies, and will consider adjustments to support such applications.