RACF Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator

Better Place Australia has a vision of “An Australia where all people experience positive relationships, truly value each other and live safer, more confident lives”. As a community focused not-for-profit organisation with an ever-growing range of psychological and community support services, Better Place Australia is taking a leadership role in the provision of high-quality, effective services for a wide range of community groups across 14 locations in Victoria. This is an opportunity to join our expanding team of highly experienced and passionate people who want to make Australia a better place.

The Role

The prevalence of mental illness is higher amongst residents of Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) than it is for the general population, however mental health services are not routinely available. Where mental illness is diagnosed in residential aged care residents, the most likely intervention is the prescription of medication despite their known side effects and the risk of drug-disease interactions which are more common in the older people.  Research evidence suggests that there are a range of non-pharmacological psychosocial interventions that are effective alternatives to the prescription of medication for the treatment of mental illness in frail aged people living in residential care facilities.

The Commonwealth Government has provided additional funding through the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) to strengthen relationships with RACFs, residents and staff in RACFs in the northern region of Melbourne. The key responsibilities of the role will include:

• Engaging with RACF staff and promoting referral to the Psychological Services Program and strengthening referral pathways
• Providing information to residents and their significant others about the free psychological services program
• Providing education to RACF staff about mental health illness in the older people
• Providing information to residents that have recently moved into residential aged care

Employee Benefits

Better Place Australia is serious about being an employer of choice and to back that claim we offer:

• Generous above award salary rates
• Salary packaging (which increases your take home pay)
• Additional annual leave (between Christmas and New Year)
• Annual leave loading of 17.5% loading
• An 11% superannuation contribution
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Up to 20 days family violence leave
• Paid study leave and extensive professional development opportunities

Required Professional Qualifications & Experience 

• Registered or Enrolled Nurse (Aged Care Experience)
• Qualified and Registered as a Credentialed Mental Health Social Worker and eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), or
• Possess an equivalent relevant Mental Health accreditation and registration (ie. AHPRA), and
• Significant experience and interest in working with older adults with mental illness
• A flexible approach, the ability to work in an outreach capacity and an exceptional ability to build rapport
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence and access to own transport
• Evidence of current influenza vaccination (required for entry into RACFs).

Better Place Australia offers a workplace culture reflective of a vibrant, learning organisation where our people are highly engaged in their work and committed to making a difference.  As an equal opportunity employer, we aim to create an inclusive environment where differences including gender, age, culture, disability, sexuality and family and caring responsibilities are valued.  We invite you to be part of a not-for-profit organisation that fosters a diverse workplace.

Workplace Flexibility

This position is available on a full-time, part-time (fixed term contract) or casual basis and incorporates service delivery on an outreach basis including work from home.

Better Place Australia we embrace flexible ways of working.  We encourage you to talk to us about what flexibility might look like for you and your individual needs.

Further Information 

Download the position description at the bottom of this page. Enquiries from prospective candidates may be directed to Ms Rhonda Withers, Clinical and Program Lead Elder Services.

Better Place Australia currently requires employees to be fully vaccinated (boosted) with an approved COVID-19 Vaccination and to provide evidence of vaccination by way of uploading a Digital Vaccination Certificate to our HRIS Information System (or confirmation that they are an excepted person). You will be provided with relevant information including during the recruitment process.

Our organisation is committed to child safety and satisfactory completion of a Working with Children Check and National Police Check are mandatory for the preferred candidate.

Whilst we appreciate the interest of all prospective candidates, please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Apply today – we look forward to hearing from you.