Social Emotional and Wellbeing Worker (SEWB) (50D)

Who are South West Aboriginal Medical Services?

SWAMS is a Not-for-Profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation founded on the principles of self-determination, empowerment, and freedom of choice. We recognise the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Our mission is to deliver best-practice and culturally appropriate holistic health services to the Indigenous population of the South-West region of Western Australia.

SWAMS is based in Bunbury, delivering a wide range of health and community services across the South West and Great Southern regions of Western Australia. As a growing organisation, SWAMS continues to invest in new facilities, services and major infrastructure projects that support better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Please note, this position is identified under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) and is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only.

About the SEWB role

The SEWB Worker responsible for providing support in the delivery of Social and Emotional Wellbeing care to our SWAMS clients. The SEWB Worker forms part of the SEWB multidisciplinary team and works collaboratively with clinic staff. The SEWB worker provides a connection to health services and delivers culturally appropriate education, prevention and early intervention activities for people in the community.

Other key duties include but are not limited to:

• Develop appropriate SEWB programs and activities, and actively contribute to strategic planning and delivery of the program.
• Participate and contribute to community events, ensuring the promotion of SEWB services.
• Ensure clients have access to appropriate support services by engaging and working with relevant stakeholders, including mental health, drug and alcohol, family domestic violence, community, employment, and housing services.
• Provide practical support to enhance mental health and social and emotional wellbeing including linking clients into cultural groups (men’s and women’s, yarning, Elders, youth and grief and loss groups), events and programs within the community.
• Provide transport support to clients of the program as required e.g. medical or specialist appointments and community support programs.
• Work in close partnership with GP’s, Practice Managers, Nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, Allied Health staff and other relevant staff to support SEWB clients accessing clinics.
• Participate and comply with all Work Health and Safety responsibilities as per the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA).

Essential Criteria

• Aboriginality is an essential criterion and is provided for under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).
• Comprehensive understanding of social and emotional wellbeing issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills including negotiation skills and ability to proactively establish and sustain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Effective organisational and time management skills including the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to uphold the principles of cultural safety andability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of programs and activities for Aboriginal people, either in a one-on-one or group setting.
• Ability to make appropriate referrals to relevant mental health and alcohol and other drug services and community programs.
• Current Working with Children Check or ability to obtain upon appointment
• Current and unrestricted Western Australian Drivers Licence
• National Police Clearance

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislative requirements
• Experience in Community or Aboriginal Health
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) and the issues facing these organisations in their service delivery.

Why Join SWAMS?

• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• 17.5% leave loading.
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 per annum.
• Novated leasing options.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Additional Christmas shutdown leave.

For more information on the location and the role:

For a full job description and further information about this position, please telephone the Human Resources Department on (08) 9797 8111 during normal business hours.

To Apply

To apply for this position either apply through this platform or, please feel free to send a copy of your current resume and cover letter to: HR@swams.com.au.