At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges to achieve their goals and maintain wellness.
- Company: Flourish Australia, a leading community mental health organisation.
- Benefits: Diverse work environment, personal growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Open to all qualified applicants; strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and empower others on their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Certificate IV or relevant experience in human services; lived experience of mental health issues preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Expression of Interest for future Job Opportunities with Flourish Australia.
About Us
Flourish Australia is one of Australia’s most experienced community mental health organisations. Our purpose is to support people to flourish, believe in their futures, and become contributing members of the community. Our services are comprehensive and highly personalised because each person’s experience will be different and their needs, as an individual, are unique. Together we set goals, connect individuals with the right people, support services and opportunities to meet their needs. With 60+ locations across New South Wales, ACT, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, we have over 60 years’ experience providing comprehensive, holistic support for people with a lived experience of mental health.
A day in the life of a Mental Health Worker and Peer Worker with Flourish Australia:
- Listen to and create opportunities and activities that meet the interests and goals of people.
- Encourage shared learning experiences, and support skill development at every opportunity through self-directed learning, information and education.
- Ensure that individual support is provided to a person that accesses Flourish Australia services that meet their recovery journey goals and is strengths based and led by the person wherever possible.
- Be ‘hands on’ and involved in direct service delivery.
The nature of the support provided to people you support varies depending on the individual goals of each person. Some of these tasks can involve helping people look after their home environment and supporting people with community activities like shopping or attending medical appointments. You might also support people to participate in recreational activities, look for work or gain a qualification. The emphasis in mental health work is always on supporting independence and skill development.
As a Mental Health Worker or Peer Worker, you work within a recovery framework where the person receiving support is central in determining the assistance they receive. By walking alongside them as they determine their goals, you support people to make choices based on their own personal hopes and dreams. On a daily basis you would also work in partnership with family members and carers, clinical mental health services and other stakeholders. This might involve organising support meetings, liaising with people over the phone and corresponding via email.
Our positions:
The difference between a Mental Health Worker and a Peer Worker at Flourish Australia is that a Peer Worker is required to use their lived experience of a mental health issue and personal recovery openly, appropriately and effectively to build professional relationships with the people they support that also experience a mental health issue. It is not a requirement for Mental Health Workers to use their lived experience of a mental health issue in their everyday work.
For more information about what it means to be a Peer Worker with Flourish Australia, please review the Position Description and the following document on An Introduction to Peer Work at Flourish Australia. For more information on the Mental Health Worker role, please read the Position Description.
Our positions are open to all suitably qualified applicants. We have a strong commitment to the participation of people with lived experience of mental health issues in our workforce. We value diversity and encourage applications from suitably qualified people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, LGBTQ+ communities and mature age candidates.
All appointments with Flourish Australia's Mental Health Services are subject to an NDIS Worker Screening clearance, a National Criminal History Check, a WWCC, previous employment reference checks, satisfactory Australian residency status and other background checks. All successful applicants will be required to declare any private or secondary employment prior to commencement in line with Flourish Australia's Private or Secondary Employment Policy.
Selection Criteria:
- Certificate IV or above in a relevant field OR a minimum of 2-years full-time experience working in the human services field (as recognised by Flourish Australia).
- A strong commitment to recovery-based practice in the workplace.
- A personal lived experience of a mental health issue and recovery.
- Understanding of the challenges faced by people with a lived experience of a mental health issue.
- Understanding of, and ability to effectively use, Microsoft Office and knowledge of data information management systems.
- A current Australian Driver’s Licence.
What happens next?
To express an interest for working with Flourish Australia, please complete the questions below. You will then be asked to attach a copy of your resume on the following page; we encourage you to have your resume up-to-date and available before you commence the application. Your application will be forwarded to the relevant local hiring manager who will reach out should a suitable opportunity arise. With your permission, your EOI will be held on file for 6-months and will expire once it reaches this 6-month mark. Please also note, you may not hear back regarding your EOI if a suitable opportunity does not arise within this 6-month timeframe.
We look forward to getting to know you and thank you for considering joining the Flourish Australia team.
x. EOI - South Australia in Salisbury employer: Flourish Australia
Flourish Australia is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to flexible working conditions and comprehensive training opportunities, including ASIST and Trauma-Informed Care, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and encourages personal development, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about mental health recovery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land x. EOI - South Australia in Salisbury
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Flourish Australia.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Flourish Australia!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Flourish Australia, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Flourish Australia or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace x. EOI - South Australia in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Flourish Australia:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Flourish Australia! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Flourish Australia
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
