Employment opportunity - Peer Support Project Workers (Neami)

Exciting Opportunities in Mental Health

PEER SUPPORT PROJECT WORKERS

Neami currently has individual positions available at our

Briar Hill/Heidelberg/Thornbury/Regent locations

0.5 EFT – Ongoing

Neami is a non-government organisation that has been providing psychosocial rehabilitation to people with a mental illness for over 20 years in a framework of consumer participation and recovery.

Drawing on their lived experience of a mental illness, Peer Support Workers provide a range of emotional, information and companionship support to consumers. Working within a recovery based framework, this support is aimed at assisting consumers to develop independent living skills, a sense of social inclusion, and ownership of their recovery. Peer Support Workers at Neami work within a team approach and are supported by regular opportunities to reflect upon their practice.

Applicants should also have:-

• Experience of the public or private mental health system.
• Ability and commitment to work with consumers and share your experience of recovery.
• Commitment and enthusiasm to work collaboratively with Community Rehabilitation and Support Workers in a team approach to service delivery.
• Working knowledge and commitment to consumer rights and responsibilities.
• An understanding of and sensitivity to issues relevant to people with a mental illness and complex needs.
• Ability to engage with consumers and to set clear professional boundaries.
• Computer literacy.

Neami provides excellent terms and conditions, vibrant and reflective team work and opportunities for professional development.

For a full position description, and remuneration details go to: www.neami.org.au

N.B. All applicants must address the Key Selection Criteria in the job description to be considered for an interview.

Enquiries:

• Joe Cassar – Service Manager – Heidelberg on (03) 9459 5455
• Kirra Yates – Service Manager – Regent on (03) 9484 0333
• Marion Kennedy – Service Manager – Briar Hill on (03) 9459 5455
• Suzi Tsopanas – Service Manager – Thornbury on (03) 9484 0333

Written applications including curriculum vitae and three professional referees should be sent to: Positions Vacant – Peer Support Project Workers - Victoria

Neami Head Office

305 Arthur St

FAIRFIELD VIC 3078

or Email: jobs@neami.org.au

Employment opportunity - Courseware Developer (VICSERV)

VICSERV is in the process of rewriting current training material, in line with changes in sector practice and with the new Community Services and Health 08 Training Package. As a result, the organisation has a fantastic opportunity for a Courseware Developer to join its welcoming team in Elsternwick. This is a six-month contract position.

The primary purpose of this role is to develop the new Community Services 08 training programs to support the PDRS sector. These programs include Certificate IV in Mental Health and Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health).

For more information and to apply please click here.

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award

VECCI have advised that the new Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award will now not come into force until 20th July 2011.

This is because of the current ASU campaign for national changes to the current SACS Award.

Accordingly the RSSA and SACS awards will continue in force until 20th July 2011.

Victorian Parliament Public Housing Inquiry

The Victorian Parliament has called for submissions to an inquiry that will consider the adequacy and future directions of public housing in Victoria. The Terms of Reference can be found here.

At the same time, DHS has released a discussion paper that proposes changes to the segmentation of waiting lists. The proposal is attached here. Submissions to both are due no later than 29 January 2010.

If you would like to discuss further or have input into VICSERV’s response, please contact Wendy Smith 9519 7000 w.smith@vicserv.org.au

NGO Mental Health Workforce Study

The National Health Workforce Taskforce, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, has commenced a project titled ‘NGO Mental Health Workforce Study’ that is aiming to better our understanding of the existing non-government mental health workforce, and what the future needs of the workforce may be.

We would strongly encourage you to participate in this survey to ensure the highest quality data is collected about our workforce.

Data collected will be de-identified, and will assist the sector with forward planning and ongoing workforce recruitment, retention and development. Further, it will support raising a consistent and professional profile for our often under-valued workforce.

Whilst this survey is distinct from the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy and Plan being developed in partnership with Siggins Miller, it has strategic linkages with the Mental Health Non-government Organisation Project. The two projects will be liaising on an ongoing basis to maximise the synergies between the two projects.

It is acknowledged by jurisdictions that government that they have limited knowledge of the scope, size and skills of the current mental health workforce in the community sector. The NGO mental health sector is increasing in size and importance, but little is known about the workforce, hampering planning. The valuable contribution that this sector makes should and needs to be better understood.

The aim of the project is to design and test a methodology to support mental health workforce planning for the non-government community mental health sector, through the provision of improved data and information on workforce supply and trends.

The study aims to create a workforce planning tool for future planning, and to achieve a minimum dataset for the workforce.

The first phase of this program will involve distributing a survey for the completion by managers of non-government organisations providing mental health services to the community. As such, we are requesting your assistance in this project, with specific regard to the distribution of the survey through your membership network.

This first stage of data collection is an internet based survey, with a paper based option. It seeks to identify the activities, size and needs of the organisations and workforce, and contributes to government policy. It is our aim that the data collected will assist in raising a consistent and professional profile for the mental health non-government organisation sector.

It is expected that the survey will be distributed by the 16th of December 2009.

The National Health Workforce Taskforce (NHWT) was established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2006. The NHWT undertakes projects which inform development of practical solutions on workforce innovation and reform. It will soon be subsumed by a new agency, Health Workforce Australia (HWA), agreed by COAG in November 2008, which will report to Health Ministers and operate across the health and education sectors.

Further information on NHWT and the NGO Mental Health Workforce Study can be found at www.nhwt.gov.au.

Employment opportunity - Customer Service Managers and/or Contract Reviewers (QICSA)

The following was received from QICSA:

Do you have an enquiring, analytical mind? A commitment to making a difference, and improving client outcomes? Relate well with people? Enjoy being part of, and leading, a team with a difference? Looking for professional growth? If so, QICSA is looking for you!

(Alternatively, you might have a colleague or staff member in mind who meets our needs - a 'win-win' for your organisation and QICSA!)

QICSA is currently recruiting Customer Service Managers and/or Contract Reviewers - please see the position description attached, and check out the La Trobe University website (Quicklinks - Jobs at La Trobe) for details about how to apply.

QICSA is able to offer an exciting opportunity for successful applicants to embed skills and knowledge in Quality auditing and CQI as part of the QICSA core staff team.

We would be keen to talk with potential applicants who might be interested in short-term contract or secondment to QICSA, on a part-time basis - a great time for a member organisation to benefit from having a staff member upskilled through becoming a QICSA Review Coordinator (RC), or honing existing RC skills, as well as a great opportunity for career enhancement for successful applicants!

These positions would be suitable for current QICSA RCs, or experienced reviewers looking to integrate their reviewing skills into their current roles. Interest and/or expertise in the child, youth and family or homelessness sectors would be well-regarded.

QICSA will also soon be advertising for a Corporate Services Manager - watch this space!

Please contact Pam Kennedy (p.kennedy@latrobe.edu.au) or Gail O'Donnell (g.o'donnell@latrobe.edu.au) to discuss how you might be just the person we are seeking!

Applications close on 4 January 2010.

Ten billion reasons to invest in youth mental health

The following was received from the Mental Health Council of Australia:

A key report indicates the dramatic cost to the community of mental illness in Australia's youth. These new findings indicate that in 2009, the financial cost of mental illness in people aged 12-25 was $10.6 billion, with the majority due to lost productivity due to lower employment, absenteeism and premature death. This equates to $10,544 per annum per young Australian with a mental health disorder. [When] launching the report ... , headspace CEO Chris Tanti emphasised its significance, [saying the] report is the first to estimate the costs of youth mental health disorders in Australia. Until now there has been a paucity of information regarding the economic burden of mental illness in this age group.

Free suicide prevention resources for the mental health sector

The following was received from Living Is For Everyone (LIFE):

Living Is For Everyone (LIFE) is an initiative of the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). The LIFE resources are designed for any one working with people at risk of suicide and include:

• The LIFE Framework – the national reference for suicide prevention activities in Australia;
• LIFE Research and Evidence – a review of statistics, trends, comparisons and issues in suicide and self-harm prevention; and
• LIFE Fact Sheets – a set of 24 practical fact sheets that provide plain-language summaries and advice about suicide prevention.

LIFE are offering Factsline subscribers a free 1GB USB stick, preloaded with LIFE resources. To receive your USB stick email rrees@crisissupport.org.au before December 23, with ‘Factsline’ in the subject line along with your name, organisation and postal address in the message.

The LIFE documents can also be downloaded or ordered in print form for free from the LIFE website: www.livingisforeveryone.com.au. The site is a world-class resource dedicated to providing the best available evidence and information on suicide prevention and features:

• LIFE News – the bi-monthly newsletter of the NSPS;
• The LIFE Professional Development Network – a secure online area for discussion between stakeholders via forums and live chat;
• An extensive clearing house of research and resources; and
• Profiles of NSPS projects.

Visit www.livingisforeveryone.com.au today: Join the Professional Development Network, order resources, find information and share your expertise. For more information contact LIFE Communications on 03 8398 8408 or email life@crisissupport.org.au

The Great Escape - Project Managament Workshops

The following was received from the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council:

This Best Practice in Project Management Workshop has been designed specifically for the Community Services and Health Industries by internationally renowned speaker

Mark Kozak-Holland.

In Australia for the first time, Mark's unique approach to Project Management through the lens of history makes this workshop one not to be missed.

Project Management methodology can be used by a broad range of workers to address many practical work issues. It can assist you to make more efficient use of your time and resources, more accurately identify resources, assess risks and analyse cost benefits and ultimately deliver improved quality of services to your clients.

The Melbourne workshop will be held on Wednesday 24 February. To register or find more information, click here.

Research shows schizophrenia most stigmatised

The following is a media release from SANE Australia:

New research by SANE Australia finds that schizophrenia is the most stigmatised mental illness.

An analysis of complaints made by the public to SANE’s StigmaWatch program about media reporting of mental illness has found that nearly 1 in 4 relate to schizophrenia. By comparison, only 1 in 50 complaints are about the irresponsible media reporting of depression.

‘We are beginning to see the positive impact of depression awareness campaigns in the media, which is very encouraging. Unfortunately, schizophrenia continues to be one of the most misrepresented and misunderstood illnesses in the community,’ says SANE Australia Executive Director Barbara Hocking.

The report, SANE Research Bulletin 10: Stigma, the media and mental illness, found that 23 per cent of the complaints made about schizophrenia involved sensationalised media reporting. Many of these complaints related to media reports that perpetuate violent or dangerous stereotypes, or incite community fear about the illness.

The number of media reports about schizophrenia that emphasise violence or threatening behaviour misrepresent the actual statistics: one in one hundred people will experience schizophrenia but the lifetime risk of someone with schizophrenia seriously harming or killing another person is calculated to be just .005%.

‘It is certainly alarming that many media representations of schizophrenia are sensationalised, suggesting the risk is far greater than in reality,’ Ms Hocking said. ‘Such irresponsible media reporting causes unnecessary distress to the majority of people with schizophrenia who lead peaceful lives, having a negative effect on how they feel about themselves and how well they are accepted by others.

‘SANE would like to see more stories about the real, every day experience of living with schizophrenia and less sensationalised reporting positioning those affected as violent or incompetent outcasts.’

Encouragingly, there has been a significant increase in responsible and accurate media reporting of depression, with nearly 1 in 3 nominations for positive media coverage focussing on the illness. According to Ms Hocking, the ‘coming out’ of many high profile figures experiencing depression has had a large role to play in community understanding and acceptance of the illness.

‘The combination of awareness campaigns and responsible media reporting of depression has encouraged people to start talking, seek help and feel less excluded.’ Ms Hocking said.

‘SANE encourages the media to extend responsible reporting to all mental illnesses; the sad reality for people living with schizophrenia is that the stigma they experience can be just as distressing as the symptoms themselves. Media have a major role to play in helping to improve this situation so that any person with a mental illness feels understood and accepted by the community.'

Previous SANE research bulletins can be downloaded here.

International Mental Health Conference - Trieste 2010

TRIESTE, 2010: WHAT IS ʹMENTAL HEALTHʹ?

Towards a global network of community health

INTERNATIONAL MEETING 09 -13 February 2010

San Giovanni - Cultural Park, Trieste

Organisers are billing this as a unique chance to build up a worldwide network based on our common hopes and aims and hope it is able to act as a critical mass.

"In these times of crisis we are sure that it can be an injection of trust and confidence in the possibility of a wide change in MH all over the world."

Organisers are open to suggestions and proposals, including personal communications and presentations, and will make every effort to fit them into the big picture.

Most sessions will be in either Italian or English, and also Spanish and French in some parts.

A provisional program for the conference can be found here.

To register, please email trieste2010@ass1.sanita.fvg.it

VICSERV's International Mental Health Conference, April 29-30 2010 - Sponsorship Opportunities

Your organisation could be part of this key biennial international mental health conference through one of the sponsorship packages on offer. The VICSERV 2010 conference targets representatives from the mental health, community support, government and education sectors to a major international mental health conference with an expected 1500 delegates over the two‐day event.

For more information, please download a copy of our sponsorship form.

Farewell Sebastian Rosenberg

After nearly 4 and a half years as Deputy CEO at the Mental Health Council of Australia, we say farewell to Sebastian Rosenberg who is moving to Connetica Consulting. The VICSERV team wish Sebastian every success in his future and thank him for his valued contribution to the sector.

Pathways to Social Inclusion Working Groups

As part of the implementation of the Pathways to Social Inclusion papers, three Working Groups have been established. They are:

• Housing - chaired by Stephen Nash, HomeGround CEO
• Health Inequalities – chaired by Caz Healy, Doutta Galla Community Health Service CEO
• Economic Participation – chaired by Laura Collister, Mental Illness Fellowship General Manager

The purpose of the Working Groups is to bring interested members together to consider the Pathway’s papers and progress the propositions that they contain. Each Working Group has met at least once and all are scheduled to meet again early in the new year. New members are always welcome.

Terms of Reference and minutes are available from our Policy and Research Manager, Wendy Smith (w.smith@vicserv.org.au or 9519 7000). Regular updates on the Working Groups' activities will appear in factsline during 2010.

Out Doors Inc. AGM and Bush Celebration

The following was received from Out Doors Inc.:

Calling all Agencies and Program Workers!!

The end of year is approaching very fast and Out Doors Inc would like your agency and participants to help us celebrate our achievements for 2009.

The day will include entertainment (bush band and African drumming experience), free BBQ lunch and drink (1:00 - 2:30pm), finger food (5pm), and some great speeches and activities to participate in throughout the day. Our Annual General Meeting will be held after the celebration thus giving everyone an opportunity to attend.

This year the day has been organised for: FRIDAY 11th December.

Bush Celebration: 1pm - 4pm

Annual General Meeting: 3:45pm - 6pm

Venue: Richmond Rowing Club

Address: Boathouse Drive - MEL 2F H7 (Opposite Federation square on the Yarra River)

RSVP: Please contact Out Doors Inc to confirm attendance on 9417 2111.

We look forward to seeing you all there!!

The Team at Out Doors Inc.

231 Napier Street Fitzroy Vic 3065

Tel: 9417 2111 Fax: 9417 2163

Mob: 0434 421 240

Employment opportunity - Carer Support Worker - Mental Health (F/T) (Peninsula Support Services)

Do you find satisfaction from supporting others? Do you find fulfilment from working with an organisation committed to its Vision? Are you looking for a job that has variety and opportunities to use your skills and experience to support carers?

CLOCk – (Contributing to Lasting Outcomes for Carers) is a new program supported and funded by the Australian Government – Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). Developed through a consortium of agencies including Peninsula Support Services, Reach Out Mental Health, Impact Support Services, Grow (Victoria) and the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre Southern Region, the program aims to increase access to respite and support for mental health carers in a flexible and responsive manner.

Peninsula Support Services is a Community based organisation in Mornington, which provides support to people with psychiatric disabilities and their carers. We are passionate about what we do, and create an environment in which staff can work at their best.

We are looking for a skilled worker who shares our vision for responding to carers needs.

Please see website www.pss.org.au for further info including PD. Applications to be sent to Jane Fitzell at pss@pss.org.au

Applications close Monday 21st December 5.00pm (interviews to occur in January 2010)