Mental Health & Wellbeing Practitioner (Maternal And Child Health)

• Take on a role where you can apply your skills to assess family well-being, engage with diverse communities, and facilitate support groups  
• Hybrid work model, work from our main office in Officer and across multiple service provider sites 
• Permanent position, Band 6, 4 days per week, salary $88,168 -$104,668 plus super (pro-rata) 

About us   

Cardinia Shire is one of the state’s fastest -growing municipalities, located 55 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s central business district, it boasts a unique combination of urban and rural areas creating a diverse and vibrant community. Working together, doing things differently and preparing for the future are the three cornerstones of our culture, helping Council to deliver on strategy. 

About the role 

We are seeking a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing professional to join our Enhanced Maternal and Child Health (EMCH) team. As a key member of our multi-disciplinary approach, you will play a crucial role in assessing and supporting the Mental Health of parents/carers, promoting positive relationships between parent/carer and child, supporting parenting confidence and wellbeing, and working with vulnerable families to foster independence. Our family-focused service maximises the potential of all children from birth to four years of age and their families, particularly addressing identified risk factors and high-needs families. 

You will apply community development principles to encourage support groups post-MCH programs, conduct home-based assessments, and assist vulnerable families in achieving their goals. Your commitment to evidence-based practices, including brief counselling and targeted therapeutic interventions, will be instrumental in aiding parents and families as they navigate adjustments and make informed choices. By undertaking risk assessments and comprehensive interventions for clients with Mental Health concerns, you will help to ensure the safety of both children and parents by adhering to child-safe standards. 

But that is not all. Beyond providing support to vulnerable families and offering crisis intervention when needed, you will also be a key player in supporting the team directly working with these families. Your active contribution to building the team's capacity, coupled with valuable advice and education, will foster improved Mental Health practices. Through collaborative efforts with allied and specialist services, you will further strengthen community support networks. 

About You  

Applications are sought from professionals with a Mental Health background and relevant qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or Nursing. Experience working with vulnerable families, particularly those with young children, is essential. Strong skills in family dynamics, child development, and effective communication are a must. The ideal candidate should be able to assess family well-being, conduct home visits, facilitate parent support groups, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team. Confidentiality and a professional approach to complex issues are critical attributes. 

• A qualification in infant Mental Health or similar would be advantageous.  
• AHPRA registration (where applicable)  
• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.  
• Current Working with Children’s Check.   

Join our team to actively contribute to community well-being, focusing on practical support for families and working towards a healthier future. 

Benefits     

• Activity based and hybrid work model   
• Opportunities to work on innovative and impactful projects that make a real difference to the community.              
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs, and leadership development initiatives.              
• A commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives to reduce the Council's carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in the community.           
• A focus on work-life balance, with programs and initiatives designed to support employees' physical and mental well-being.    
• Visit Our Benefits. Discover how we support and value our employees throughout their career journey.          

To apply     

• Please complete the online application form, including your resume and a brief cover letter demonstrating your suitability to the role.     
• Applications close: 31 January 2024   
• For further information regarding the role please speak to Catherine Mills, Coordinator - Maternal & Child Health on 5943 4459 or refer to the position description.  

Cardinia Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to an equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment and a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. We welcome applicants from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, people living with a disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities with Cardinia Shire Council. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application by contacting us on 1300 787 624.       

 All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Check and pre-employment medicals, certain positions may also require a Working with Children Check.     

You must have valid Australian Working Rights to be considered for this role.  

• Position Description