First Nations Mental Health Support Worker (Community Living Support)

Uniting; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $18,550 per yr

Hours 9am–5pm, no overtime

4 Me Days per year (pro rata)

5 CPD days per year (pro rata)

Fitness Passport and U Rewards

Job summary

Uniting enables meaningful, culturally grounded support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with mental health challenges in the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephen’s areas. The role blends office time with community visits, focusing on recovery goals, independence and cultural connections.

You will work within the CLS program to promote wellbeing and self-determination. The position emphasizes respectful relationships, documentation and collaboration with community

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people experiencing mental health challenges and psychosocial needs.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals, families and carers.

Responsibilities

• Providing one-on-one support to help people achieve their recovery goals and build independence.
• Supporting consumers to strengthen cultural connections, community participation and social and emotional wellbeing.
• Building trusting relationships with consumers, families, kin, carers and community organisations.
• Connecting people with culturally safe health services and local support networks.
• Working alongside local First Nations communities and service providers to improve access to support.
• Maintaining accurate progress notes and documentation.

Skills

Cultural knowledge

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Community engagement

Education

Certificate IV in Community Services, Mental Health, Peer Work or related qualification

Job description

First Nations Mental Health Support Worker (Community Living Support)

This is a permanent full-time opportunity working Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm)- Based in Garden Suburb, servicing Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephen's LGA

Join Uniting as a First Nations Mental Health Support Worker and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

You’ll provide practical, person-centred support that strengthens social and emotional wellbeing, builds confidence and independence, and helps people work towards their recovery goals while staying connected to culture, community and support networks.

Be part of a supportive, values-driven organisation where your cultural knowledge, community connections and experience are valued.

Working within Uniting’s Community Living Supports (CLS) program, you’ll provide practical, person-centred psychosocial support to adults experiencing mental health challenges.

Your days will be varied, spending time in the office and out in the community, supporting people in their homes and local environments.

About you in the role

• Providing one-on-one support to help people achieve their recovery goals and build independence.
• Supporting consumers to strengthen their cultural connections, community participation and social and emotional wellbeing.
• Building trusting relationships with consumers, families, kin, carers and community organisations.
• Connecting people with culturally safe health services and local support networks.
• Working alongside local First Nations communities and service providers to improve access to support.
• Maintaining accurate progress notes and documentation.

About You

You’ll bring a genuine passion for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with an understanding of the importance of culture, connection, self-determination and culturally safe practice.

• This is an identified Aboriginal position. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply in accordance with Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
• You are a proud Aboriginal person with deep cultural understanding and strong ties to community.
• A Certificate IV in Community Services, Mental Health, Peer Work or a related qualification, together with relevant experience.
• The ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with individuals, families and community organisations.
• An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, including significant dates of celebration, commemoration and remembrance.
• A Certificate IV in Community Services, Mental Health, Peer Work or a related qualification, together with relevant experience.
• Experience supporting people experiencing mental health challenges and psychosocial needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

At Uniting, we value the experiences, perspectives and cultural knowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees bring to our organisation.

• A culturally supportive workplace
• Connect with the Ngumba-Dal Network, Uniting’s Aboriginal employee network.
• Participate in Aboriginal staff gatherings and Yarning Circles.
• Contribute to Uniting’s First Nations People and Place Strategy.
• Access ongoing training, cultural capability development and career opportunities.

Benefits that support you

• Salary packaging of up to $18,550 per year, subject to eligibility.
• Hours 9am–5pm, with no overtime.
• Four additional paid Me Days each year (pro rata).
• Five CPD days per calendar year (pro rata).
• Fitness Passport and U Rewards employee discounts.

Should you have any questions, please contact Alex Sullivan from Uniting’s Talent Acquisition Team on 0466 801 *** / *********@uniting.org

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks, which include National Police Checks, Working with Children Checks and Reference Checks.

About Uniting

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care.

We provide care and support to people of all ages and backgrounds, with a focus on those experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Empowered by diversity

At Uniting, inclusion isn’t just something we value – it’s how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues and the clients and communities we serve.