Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: OT4 / SW4 / Psychologist / CNC2
Remuneration: dependent on classification plus superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ568379
Applications Close: Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 11:59pm AEST

Position Title: Aboriginal Mental Health Care Worker Navigator - Justice Health Olympic Park - PFT

• Are you an experienced Aboriginal Mental Health worker with a passion for supporting mob in contact with the justice system?
• Do you want to use your skills and experience to help connect people to care that’s culturally safe and appropriate?
• Do you want to work in a hybrid, flexible role across clinical, community and custodial settings?
• If you want to be part of a Community Forensic Mental Health Service that’s reimagining how care is delivered, this could be the role you’ve been searching for.
• This is a dedicated Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander position. Applicants must be able to prove Aboriginal descent through parentage, identification as being an Aboriginal person and being accepted in the community as such. Exemption is claimed under Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act. JH&FMHN deems it appropriate to seek confirmation of Aboriginal status from applicants applying for Aboriginal identified positions or targeted positions either during the interview process or prior to commencement of the position.

For more information on cultural support contact Grantley Creighton on Grantley.Creighton@health.nsw.gov.au

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is an identified Aboriginal Health position. Applicants must be a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. An applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14 of the Antidiscrimination Act 1977 NSW. Aboriginal applicants must demonstrate Aboriginality in addition to addressing the selection criteria.

• For Allied Health staff - Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for occupational therapy or psychology professions, or eligibility for membership of Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for social work. Minimum of five years full time equivalent post qualification experience, with at least two years full time equivalent experience in the field of mental health.
• For Nursing staff –

o current unrestricted authority to practice as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and who has at least five years full time equivalent post registration experience, with at least three years’ fulltime equivalent experience in mental health and approved post registration tertiary qualification in mental health.
o Possesses the attributes to undertake and meet the Domains and Functions of Clinical Nurse Consultant - Grade 2 as per IB2017_002.
o The Clinical Nurse Consultant practices in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Professional Standards, including Nurses Standards for Practice, Code of ethics for Nurses and Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses to deliver professional, competent care in line with public expectations.

The Aboriginal Mental Health Care Navigator improves health and justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The role ensures systems and processes are established between Justice Health, custodial and community mental health services and other key services to ensure appropriate access to mental health care and support for Aboriginal people with serious and enduring mental health needs as they transition into and out of custody.
The Care Navigator also plays a prominent role as one of the key health liaison points for the Walama List Program. The Walama List pilot commenced in February 2022 as an alternative sentencing procedure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have matters currently before the NSW District Criminal Court at Sydney Downing Centre. The Walama List provides a therapeutic and holistic approach to sentencing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The list aims to reduce reoffending, keep communities safe, address overrepresentation and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s participation and confidence in the NSW criminal justice system.
The Care Navigator attends the Walama List every month and provides verbal reports on patient progress and community services engaged. The Care Navigator also plays an essential role in assisting Walama participants to access necessary physical and mental health care during their time in custody. To learn more about the Walama list, click the link - Evaluating the Walama List Pilot | Communities and Justice
The Aboriginal Mental Health Care Navigator works in the Community Transitions Team and independently and autonomously provides assertive and holistic support to people presenting with a range of clinical risks and forensic needs as they transition from custody into the community. The Care Navigator will support the three clinical teams in the NSW Community Forensic Mental Health Services in the development of culturally informed assessment and treatment approaches, and ensure the social, cultural and historical contexts are appreciated and reflected in the way mental health services are offered. The Care Navigator will also ensure mental health care builds on the strengths, resources and knowledge of Aboriginal consumers. The Care Navigator will be responsible for supporting the broader mental health system (including Community Managed Organisations) to increase their capacity to work with Aboriginal people, families and communities in a culturally safe manner.
Flexible and hybrid work agreements are also possible in line with service requirements and the NSW Health Flexible Work Policy.