Bicultural Mental Health Project Officer/Groupworker (Assyrian Community) 1137-4

The Role 

This position will be working within the STARTTS Community Development Team to work with support  structures in the Assyrian community in Southwest Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) to increase the  capacity of community leaders, volunteers, peer educators and community support structures to identify and  support people at risk of suicide or serious Mental Health illness and make appropriate referrals. The position  will deliver psycho-education and lifestyle/well-being group interventions to enable Assyrian community  members to better identify signs of distress in themselves and develop appropriate coping strategies, develop  mutually supportive relationships, break social isolation, reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental  health assistance, increase knowledge and access to a variety of Mental Health services 

Download Position Description

1. Qualifications or significant experience in psychology, social work, community development, social  science, counselling, group work or other relevant disciplines.
2. Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing and evaluating groups in a cross-cultural context
3. Demonstrated understanding of torture and trauma on individuals, families, and communities and its  impact on resettlement in the Australian context.D
4. Demonstrated adult education and/or training skills A clear understanding of the issues confronting  vulnerable young people from Refugee backgrounds and the impact on families in the Albury  Wodonga region.
5. Excellent understanding of the needs and issues related to Mental Health literacy and suicide prevention  faced by the Assyrian community settling in NSW.
6. Excellent oral, written & interpersonal communication skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office.
7. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within a multicultural environment. 

*This position is considered child-related employment and will require a Working with Children Background Check  and a National Police Check. 

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS 

*This role is a Category A role. It is mandatory for Category A workers to meet and maintain the vaccination criteria (as  per the current NSW Health and STARTTS policies). 

Vaccination and/or assessment is required for Category A workers for the following transmissible diseases – measles,  mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and  tuberculosis.  

Covid 19 vaccination is strongly recommended, but not a requirement for employment. 

If successful you must provide evidence of vaccination and/or assessment. 

Should you not be able to comply with vaccination requirements before your commencement date, the offer of  employment may be withdrawn. 

If you have a medical reason for why you cannot be vaccinated, a medical contraindication evidence will be required.  

Work Type: Part-time; 24 hours per week. Contract up to 30 June 2025 (Continuation subject to ongoing funding) 

Location: Fairfield 

Vaccination Requirement: Category A. 

Salary: Health Education Officer, or other relevant classification based on qualifications, experience  and requirements of the role. A generous salary packaging scheme is also offered. 

To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the selection criteria as thoroughly as  possible.

1. Complete a STARTTS Application for Employment Form
2. Write a Statement Against the Selection Criteria outlining how you meet the selection criteria (see the guide “How to apply for a job at STARTTS”)
3. Submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
4. Provide copies of relevant Qualifications if applicable (overseas qualification must be assessed by an appropriate Australian body to be considered)
5. Statements of Service from previous relevant roles (if applicable, please ask us for a sample)
6. A cover letter is optional.
7. Email your application and supporting documents to: *********@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing date: Monday 01 July 2024

NB: Depending on the role, if appointed, you may need a current ‘NSW Working With Children Check’ clearance, follow this link for information on how to apply of your check: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check/applicant

Do you want to work in one of Australia’s leading organisations providing treatment and rehabilitation to torture and trauma survivors; that’s quality focused, diverse & committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in communities. 

Come & join us! 

The Organisation 

"STARTTS is a not-for-profit Affiliated Health Organisation focused on providing a broad range of services to refugees in NSW. The focus of STARTTS approach is on building capacity and empowering people and communities to take control over their own lives, using a strengths-based approach and building on individual, family, community and cultural strengths."