Bicultural Mental Health Project Officer/Groupworker (Afghan Community)-1151-8

The Role 

This position will be working within STARTTS Community Development Team to work with support  structures in the Afghan community in North Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) to increase the capacity  of community leaders, volunteers, peer educators and community support structures to identify and support  people at risk of suicide or serious mental health illness and make appropriate referrals. The position will  deliver psycho-education and lifestyle/well-being group interventions to enable Afghan community members  better identify signs of distress in themselves and develop appropriate coping strategies, develop mutually  supportive relationships, break social isolation, reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health  assistance, increase knowledge and access to a variety of mental health services. 

The successful applicant will be part of a multicultural and multi-disciplinary team. 

Details

Download Position Description

Essential Criteria

1. Qualifications or significant experience in psychology, social work, community development, social  science, counselling, group work or other relevant disciplines.  
2. Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing and evaluating groups in a cross-cultural  context.  
3. Demonstrated understanding of torture and trauma on individuals, families, and communities and its  impact on resettlement in the Australian context. 
4. Demonstrated adult education and/or training skills. 
5. Excellent understanding of the needs and issues related to mental health literacy and suicide  prevention faced by the Afghan community settling in NSW.
6. Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in English and an Afghan community  language and ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within a  multicultural environment.
7. Experience in community development and/or group work in multicultural settings.
8. Knowledge of appropriate mental health literacy interventions and suicide prevention frameworks  and strategies. 

*This position is considered child-related employment and will require a Working with Children Background Check and a National Police Check.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS 

*This role is a Category A role. It is mandatory for Category A workers to meet and maintain the vaccination  criteria (as per the current NSW Health and STARTTS policies) including annual Influenza vaccinations. Two  doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine will be required to provide a record of your COVID-19 vaccination  status. If successful you must provide evidence of vaccination. 

Additionally, vaccination and/or assessment is required for Category A workers for the following transmissible  diseases – measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis  (whooping cough) and tuberculosis. If successful you must also provide evidence of vaccination and/or  assessment. 

Should you not be able to comply with vaccination requirements before your commencement date, the offer  of employment may be withdrawn. 

If you have a medical reason for why you cannot be vaccinated, a medical contraindication evidence will be  required.  

NB: Depending on the role, if appointed, you may need a current ‘NSW Working With Children Check’ clearance, follow this  link for information on how to apply of your check: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check/applicant 

Desirable Criteria

1. Knowledge of stakeholders in the refugee/migrant/Mental Health sector.
2. Current NSW Driver’s Licence.

Other Information

Position No: 1151-8

Enquiries: Jasmina Bajraktarevic on 02 9646 6700  

Work Type: Part-time; 32 hours per week. Contract up to 30 June 2025. (Continuation subject to ongoing  funding) 

Location: Sydney Metropolitan offices NSW (Dee Why & Ryde) 

Vaccination Requirement: Category A. 

Salary: Health Education Officer, or other relevant classification based on qualifications, experience  and requirements of the role under the NSW Health Awards. A generous salary packaging  scheme is also offered to reduce the taxable income and increase the take home pay.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the selection criteria as thoroughly as  possible.

1. Complete a STARTTS Application for Employment Form
2. Write a Statement Against the Selection Criteria outlining how you meet the selection criteria (see the guide “How to apply for a job at STARTTS”)
3. Submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
4. Provide copies of relevant Qualifications if applicable (overseas qualification must be assessed by an appropriate Australian body to be considered)
5. Statements of Service from previous relevant roles (if applicable, please ask us for a sample)
6. A cover letter is optional.
7. Email your application and supporting documents to: STTS-Jobs@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing date: Monday 26 February 2024 

NSW STARTTS

Do you want to work in one of Australia’s leading organisations providing treatment and rehabilitation to  torture and trauma survivors; that’s quality focused, diverse & committed to making a difference in the lives  of vulnerable people in communities?  

Come & join us! 

The Organisation 

"STARTTS is a not-for-profit Affiliated Health Organisation focused on providing a broad range of services to  refugees in NSW. The focus of STARTTS approach is on building capacity and empowering people and  communities to take control over their own lives, using a strengths-based approach and building on  individual, family, community and cultural strengths."