Aboriginal Mental Health Care Worker Navigator - Justice Health Olympic Park - PFT

About the Role

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.

Our Location and Service

The Justice Health Olympic Park (JHOP) office is located at 10 Herb Elliot Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park and Justice Health staff are able to access discounted parking at $5 a day. Public transport is readily available including buses, trains, and ferries. Easy road access is provided via the M4 and Parramatta Road via Homebush Bay Drive. 35 km of bicycle paths surround the site and both bicycle storage and shower amenities are available inside.

If you are passionate about delivering healthcare with the greatest impact, then come and join us at the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (JHFMHN). We are Just the Place to grow your career and be part of a valued team delivering care where it's needed most!

To learn more about careers in our network, please click the links below:

Welcome — Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (nsw.gov.au)

Our Locations — Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (nsw.gov.au)

Our Health Services — Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (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.

• Bachelor degree or higher level relative to role (including Bachelor Health Science (Mental Health) for Djirruwang Program graduates)

·   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.

Salary and Benefits

Your annual salary plus superannuation is just the beginning. You will also have access to a number of benefits:

·         Salary packaging options.

·         Fitness Passport (if eligible).

·         Genuine career progression and skill-set development.

·         Support from an enthusiastic and invested team of managers and colleagues.

Diversity and Inclusivity

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We employ all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.