About the Organisation

The Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (DYHS) was established in 1974 and is the largest Aboriginal community-controlled health service provider in Western Australia, providing care to over 20,000 Aboriginal patients across four clinics in East Perth, Mirrabooka, Maddington and Midland.

Our staff enable the delivery of culturally responsive primary health services, focusing on prevention, early intervention, comprehensive care and care coordination including chronic disease management. 

About the role

To provide mental health support and counselling to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families affected by crisis situations and/ or require counselling for general mental and emotional well-being. Please note this is a fixed term role until 30 June 2024.

Key responsibilities would include, but is not limited to the following:

• Provide a broad range of Mental Health and counselling services across DYHS sites, which includes trans-generational grief, trauma and relationship counselling to clients identified through the clinic or stolen generation program;
• Respond to referrals from DYHS staff identifying clients requiring Mental Health input and counselling;
• Maintain referral appointment systems for clients accessing counselling;
• Establish appropriate networks and referring processes to external agencies and counsellors including Wungening and Yorgum;
• Meet the needs of clients in a culturally appropriate manner and which actively involve both women and men in support group activities in appropriate community settings;
• Promote and raise community awareness of DYHS services whenever possible;
• Maintain and keep client notes in Communicare and provide responses to referrals as appropriate;
• Monitor the number of clients accessing Mental Health and counselling services and types of counselling services provided and provide information as requested for bi-annual reporting;
• Participate in DYHS team meetings and other relevant meetings as required;
• Accompany clients to hospital where it is appropriate to their ongoing clinical management;
• Ensure that counselling skills are consistent with contemporary practice and contractual requirements; 
• Adhere to DYHS Policies and Procedures;
• Participate in performance management as required;
• Undertake other duties as directed from time to time by your line manager or the Executive. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

1. Possession of formal tertiary or vocational qualifications (Cert IV) in psychology, social work, mental health, counselling or a related area;
2. Demonstrated understanding of current health and social emotional wellbeing issues affecting Aboriginal clients;
3. Demonstrated effective communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people;
4. Contemporary counselling and case management skills with emphasis on trauma and grief counselling;
5. Have a sound understanding of Aboriginal culture, boundaries, values and protocols;
6. Knowledge of occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Relations and Equal Employment Opportunities Legislation;
7. Computer literacy skills;
8. A National Police Criminal History check (less than 3 months old) with acceptable outcome, a current Working with Children Clearance, Current WA Driver’s Licence and fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

The Benefits:

A competitive salary commensurate with relevant qualifications, skills and experience is on offer for the right candidate.

As a public benevolent institution, DYHS offers salary packaging up to $15,900. Other entitlements include study leave, long service leave after 7 years, 12 days of personal leave per year, NAIDOC Day holiday and professional development opportunities.

A copy of the Job Description can be obtained by contacting the People Services Team on 1300 420 272 or work@dyhs.org.au.

Applications will close 16 May 2023.

How to Apply:

Please apply through SEEK, applications must include:

• Current Resume including current contact details; and
• Cover letter addressing the selection criteria (2 pages maximum) outlining your suitability for the role.

Please note that shortlisting will commence immediately.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Institution embracing diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and welcome applications from all backgrounds. DYHS promotes a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Services Corporation reserves the right to contact current or most recent employer and evaluate past employment records of applicants selected for interview. DYHS reserves the right to re-advertise the position or to delay final selection if it is deemed that applications for the position do not constitute an adequate applicant pool. 

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.