Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative Ltd

Dandenong, Melbourne VIC

Psychology, Counselling & Social Work (Healthcare & Medical)

Contractor/Temp 

Hourly rate: $75.00 + negotiable Medicare billings

About the organisation:

The Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd (DDACL) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation which is governed by a community elected Board of Directors.  It is committed to the provision of a high-quality range of services which foster and support positive and fulfilling lifestyles for individuals and families within our community.  These services are delivered in a professional and efficient manner and in keeping with our culture, traditions, and heritage. 

 About the role 

The position contributes to positive community outcomes in social and emotional wellbeing by maintaining an active clinical caseload with the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) team. The position delivers psychological/counselling services to clients. In recognition of the diversity within our community, we welcome a range of approaches in the delivery of psychological/counselling services that is trauma-informed and acknowledges the impact of colonization, racism, and inequity on physical and mental health outcomes for First Nations peoples.

The position will also contribute to the continuous improvement and evaluation of the SEWB program; provide clinical advice, peer supervision and debriefing to staff as required; and participate in relevant team meetings to strengthen an integrated approach to service delivery.   

Hours of work: Clinic hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Flexibility: sessional arrangements available depending on interest and availability. Currently 10 days a fortnight is on offer.

Clinical sessions:

-  Short consultation 45 minutes

-  Long consultation 1.5 hours

Meetings (paid time):

-  Clinical Team Meeting (1 hour every 6 weeks)

-  SEWB Huddle (half hour a week)

About the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Services 

The service aims to:

 1.     Support healing, connection to country and culture and prioritizing client agency and voice in the care they receive.

2.     Contribute to improving the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the provision of quality casework and counselling services that respond to the diverse and changing needs of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

3.     Provide culturally safe, accessible and affordable services that address the social determinants of health and wellbeing that considers mental, physical, emotional, social, cultural, environmental and spiritual wellbeing.

4.     Deliver holistic and multidisciplinary mental health care in collaboration with Bunurong Health Service clinicians (GPs, psychiatrist, paediatrician, psychologist) and the broader social, community and health service system.

5.     Provide trauma-informed support to our clients, prioritising access to appropriate services through a range of tools and resources and working with our clients to provide holistic support.

6.     Ensure early and targeted referral and access to relevant social, community and health services in a culturally appropriate manner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Qualifications Required:

• An approved degree with a major in psychology and post graduate qualifications (Masters or Doctorate) in Psychology
• 5+ years clinical experience
• Registration as a Psychologist with AHPRA
• Obtain Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
• Registered with an ABN
• Experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing will be highly regarded.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

If working for an Aboriginal not for profit organisation where you can make a real difference to the community and working with a supportive experienced team who are purpose driven and focused on continuous improvement sounds appealing, apply now!