Social, Emotional Wellbeing Worker (Male)

Job description

Walk Alongside Community. Support Healing. Build Connection.

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking a Social, Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Worker to support the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities by developing and delivering culturally appropriate programs, building workforce capacity and strengthening partnerships across health and community services. The role prioritises individuals most in need, including people with mental illness, their carers and their children, with a focus on early intervention, prevention and community engagement.

This is a designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position under a special measure in accordance with section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

This position is for a male applicant, given the nature of the role working directly with Aboriginal men and boys in the community.

About the role

Reporting to the Youth and Wellbeing Manager, you'll manage a caseload of clients and work closely with Aboriginal health services, mainstream mental health and community services across Echuca and the Campaspe region.

• Manage a caseload of clients, providing tailored, trauma-informed support in line with the SEWB model's seven dimensions of connection
• Develop collaborative, strengths-based care plans with clients, including those with complex needs such as mental health challenges, substance use or family violence
• Identify clients who are at risk or hard to engage, ensuring timely access to services and culturally safe referral pathways
• Develop and deliver culturally safe SEWB programs across the lifespan, including men's groups, youth activities, Elders' groups and arts or sports programs
• Facilitate and support community participation in health promotion events, including Mental Health Week and NAIDOC Week
• Promote mental health literacy across the community, reducing stigma and building awareness of supports available
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, case notes, care plans and referral documentation

Why join Njernda?

At Njernda Aboriginal Corporation you'll be part of a values-driven, community-controlled organisation, guided by our values of Respect, Accountability, Resilience, Advocacy and Cultural Sensitivity.

• $79,000 annual salary (SCHADS Level 3.1) + Super
• Generous salary packaging benefits (not-for-profit)
• Victorian Ambulance Membership reimbursement (for you and your family)
• Supportive team environment and access to supervision
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Genuine work–life balance and the benefits of a regional lifestyle

Selection Criteria - these must be addressed

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position. To be considered, your application must include a separate document responding to each of the numbered criteria below.

1. A Degree or Diploma in Community Services, Mental Health, Social Work or a related human services discipline
2. A current Mental Health First Aid Certificate, or willingness to obtain one
3. A minimum of 2 years' experience in a Social and Emotional Wellbeing, mental health or community services role, or an equivalent combination of lived experience, community work and formal training
4. Demonstrated knowledge of the social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people, and understanding of the historical and intergenerational impacts of colonisation, the Stolen Generations and systemic disadvantage on community wellbeing
5. Knowledge of the Balit Murrup: Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Framework 2017–2027 and the SEWB model's seven dimensions of connection, or demonstrated ability to apply these principles in practice
6. Understanding of trauma-informed, healing-centred and strengths-based approaches to practice with Aboriginal people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges
7. Sound knowledge of local Aboriginal and mainstream service providers and referral pathways across the Echuca and Campaspe region
8. Understanding of child safety legislation, mandatory reporting obligations and family violence frameworks relevant to community services work in Victoria
9. Experience developing meaningful, achievable care plans collaboratively with clients, including those with complex or co-occurring needs
10. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing accurate case notes, client records and program reports
11. Effective liaison and collaboration skills, with demonstrated ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and alongside external service providers
12. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a demanding caseload, prioritise competing tasks and meet reporting deadlines
13. Skills in advocacy, mediation and culturally sensitive dispute resolution

Desirable: Knowledge of suicide prevention frameworks, including ASIST or safeTALK training.



How to apply

Applying is simple — just click the Apply button and complete the online form.

Your application must include:

1. An up-to-date CV
2. A cover letter
3. A separate response addressing each numbered Selection Criterion above
4. Contact details for at least two professional referees

Before applying, please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Current and valid Victorian Working with Children Check
• National Police Check
• Current and valid full Victorian Driver's Licence
• Eligibility to work in Australia
• Vaccination status and pre-employment screening in line with Njernda's policies and procedures

Please note, late applications and incomplete applications without key selection criteria responses, will not be considered.