First Nations Recovery Worker

Wellways Australia; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Meal allowance

Leave loading

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wellways Australia is recruiting a First Nations Recovery Worker to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Community Living Support program in the Wollongong region. The role focuses on culturally safe, recovery‑oriented support and connection to culture, family and community.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, travelling regionally to meet participant needs and deliver practical, strengths‑based assistance.

Qualifications

• Is acknowledged by First Nations community and leadership.
• Demonstrated strong connection with First Nations communities and understanding of lived experiences on Country.
• Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health, AOD or tertiary qualification in social science or 1+ year relevant work experience in the Mental Health Sector or Intentional Peer Support Training.
• 100 points of identification and Birth Certificate/Passport.
• Drivers Licence and Working with Children Check/NDIS Workers Screening Checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical, culturally safe and recovery‑focused support to participants in the community.
• Support people to identify strengths, aspirations and goals and develop plans that support their recovery journey.
• Foster connections with Country, families, communities and natural supports to promote wellbeing and belonging.
• Complete recovery plans, assessments, file notes and program documentation.
• Travel across the region to meet participant needs.

Skills

Cultural safety

Communication

Teamwork

Documentation

Travel

Education

Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health/AOD

Tertiary qualification in social science

NDIS Worker Orientation Modules

Job description

Wellways celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute. We warmly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with lived experience of mental health challenges or disability, people from multicultural backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+. We recognise that diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our workforce and the communities we support.

Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through culturally safe, recovery-focused practice. Build meaningful connections with families, communities and local services.

SCHADS Level 3 ($38.65 - $43.42 per hour) + Salary Packaging + Leave loading

First Nations Recovery Worker | Community Living Support (CLS)

Full time or Part time role | 38 - 22.8 hours per week neg| Wollongong

Walk alongside people on their recovery journey while strengthening connection to culture, community and wellbeing.

At Wellways, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone.

As a First Nations Recovery Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing mental health challenges, psychological distress and/or substance use concerns to achieve their goals and live meaningful lives.

Community Living Support (CLS) is a NSW Government funded program providing person-led, community-based psychosocial support for people aged 16 years and over living with severe mental health challenges. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will provide culturally safe, recovery-oriented support that empowers participants to build independence, strengthen natural supports and reconnect with culture, family and community.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide practical, culturally safe and recovery-focused support to participants in the community.
• Support people to identify their strengths, aspirations and goals and develop plans that support their recovery journey.
• Build and strengthen connections with families, communities, services and cultural supports to promote wellbeing and belonging.

What you’ll bring

• You are passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and understand the importance of culture, connection and self-determination in recovery.
• You bring strong communication and relationship-building skills, a collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to provide practical support that promotes hope, healing and independence.
• You are confident maintaining accurate records and documentation and are comfortable travelling across the region.

Main responsibilities of the role include

• Support first nations participants to develop and work towards their recovery goals and aspirations.
• Provide practical, strengths-based support that promotes independence and wellbeing.
• Foster connections with Country, families, communities and natural support networks.
• Complete recovery plans, assessments, file notes and program documentation.
• Travel across the region to meet participant needs

You will also need

• Is acknowledged by First Nations community and leadership
• Demonstrated strong connection with First Nations communities and demonstrated strong understanding of the lived experiences of First Nations communities on Country
• Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health, AOD or tertiary qualification in social science or 1+ year relevant work experience in the Mental Health Sector or Intentional Peer Support Training
• 100 points of identification and Birth Certificate/Passport
• Drivers Licence
• National Police Check
• Working with Children Check and NDIS Workers Screening Check
• NDIS Workers Orientation Modules - free online course

What we will offer you

• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Jenni Van Hees via email at [e-mail]

Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement

Job Description Summary Support recovery, culture and community as a