First Nations Mental Health Support Worker - Newcastle Region

Uniting; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $18,550 per年

Fitness Passport

U Rewards – discounts from leading</i>

Four Me Days – additional paid leave

Four CPD days per calendar year

Job summary

Uniting’s First Nations Mental Health CLS program in the Newcastle Region seeks a dedicated First Nations Mental Health Support Worker. You will provide one-to-one psychosocial support in homes and local communities, helping consumers work toward recovery goals and stay connected to culture.

You will collaborate with health professionals, document progress and advocate for culturally safe services, with a Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm roster and outreach to Lake Macquarie and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for this identified position, with Aboriginality being a genuine occupational qualification under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
• The ability to provide evidence of Aboriginality in accordance with Uniting’s recruitment requirements.
• An understanding of, and demonstrated connections with, First Nations communities.
• The ability to build and maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and community organisations.
• Knowledge of significant First Nations dates of celebration, commemoration and remembrance.
• Experience supporting people experiencing mental health challenges and psychosocial needs.
• Experience with community services and outreach is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Providing individualised psychosocial support to people living with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Working collaboratively with consumers to develop, implement and review individual recovery plans and goals.
• Supporting consumers to build confidence, independence and everyday living skills.
• Building positive relationships with consumers, families, kin, carers, clinicians and community organisations.
• Supporting First Nations consumers to strengthen cultural connection, community participation and social and emotional wellbeing, guided by their individual preferences and goals.
• Helping consumers access culturally safe health services, including GPs, local services and community support networks.
• Building and maintaining relationships with local First Nations communities and relevant service providers.Advocating for culturally safe and responsive services and helping identify barriers to accessing support.
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, assessments and reports.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Collaboration

Valid Driver’s Licence

Education

Certificate IV in Community Services, Mental Health, Peer Work or equivalent

Job description

First Nations Mental Health Support Worker - Newcastle Region

First Nation Mental Health Support Worker – CLS, Newcastle Region

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time

Location: Newcastle Region with community outreach to Lake Macquarie, Port Stephen

Roster: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm shifts

Classification: SCHADS Level 3 ($40.49 per hour - $43.42 per hour) + generous salary packaging benefits

First Nation Mental Health Support Worker – CLS, Newcastle Region

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time

Location: Newcastle Region with community outreach to Lake Macquarie, Port Stephen

Roster: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm shifts

Classification: SCHADS Level 3 ($40.49 per hour - $43.42 per hour) + generous salary packaging benefits

Make a difference in someone’s everyday life

Are you passionate about supporting First Nations people and strengthening social and emotional wellbeing? Join Uniting as a First Nations Mental Health Support Worker and help people work towards their recovery goals, build independence and stay connected to their community, culture and support networks.

About the role

Your day will be varied. You’ll start your day at the office, head out into the community to meet and support consumers in their homes and local community, and return to the office to finish your day.

You’ll build genuine relationships with consumers and provide practical, one-on-one psychosocial support tailored to their needs, strengths and recovery goals. Using a person-centred, recovery-oriented approach, you’ll support people to develop confidence, strengthen everyday living skills and take positive steps towards their wellbeing.

You’ll also build connections with First Nations individuals, families and communities, working alongside local services and health professionals to improve access to culturally safe support and help identify barriers to care.

About Community Living Supports (CLS)

Uniting’s Community Living Supports (CLS) service provides flexible, community-based support to adults experiencing mental health challenges. The service helps people transition from inpatient care into the community, supporting recovery, independence and an improved quality of life.

What you will be doing

• Providing individualised psychosocial support to people living with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Working collaboratively with consumers to develop, implement and review individual recovery plans and goals.
• Supporting consumers to build confidence, independence and everyday living skills.
• Building positive relationships with consumers, families, kin, carers, clinicians and community organisations.
• Supporting First Nations consumers to strengthen cultural connection, community participation and social and emotional wellbeing, guided by their individual preferences and goals.
• Helping consumers access culturally safe health services, including GPs, local services and community support networks.
• Building and maintaining relationships with local First Nations communities and relevant service providers.Advocating for culturally safe and responsive services and helping identify barriers to accessing support.
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, assessments and reports.

About You

You’re passionate about supporting First Nations people and communities and understand the importance of culture, identity, self-determination and culturally safe support.

You’ll also bring:

• Eligibility for this identified position, with Aboriginality being a genuine occupational qualification under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
• The ability to provide evidence of Aboriginality in accordance with Uniting’s recruitment requirements.
• An understanding of, and demonstrated connections with, First Nations communities.
• The ability to build and maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and community organisations.
• Knowledge of significant First Nations dates of celebration, commemoration and remembrance.
• A Certificate IV in Community Services, Mental Health, Peer Work or an equivalent relevant qualification, together with relevant experience.
• Experience supporting people experiencing mental health challenges and psychosocial needs.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Valid Driver’s Licence

Benefits and culture

At Uniting, we want you to feel welcomed, respected and supported to bring your whole self to work.

Work you’ll be proud of

• Join the Ngumba-Dal Network, Uniting’s collective of Aboriginal employees.
• Participate in regular Aboriginal staff gatherings and Yarning Circles.
• Contribute to Uniting’s First Nations People and Place Strategy.
• Access ongoing training, cultural capability development and professional development opportunities.
• Grow your career within a large, values-driven organisation.
• Learn more about Aboriginal Inclusion at Uniting

Benefits that support you

• Salary packaging of up to $18,550 per year to increase your take-home pay, subject to eligibility.
• Fitness Passport to support your wellbeing.
• U Rewards – discounts from leading retailers.
• Four Me Days – additional paid leave each year (pro rata).
• Four CPD days per calendar year (pro rata for part-time employees).

Applications close: 11:55pm Monday 9th November 2026.

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 for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people 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.