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Specialist Mental Health Practitioner

  • 529179
  • Bairnsdale, VIC, 3875
  • Child, Youth & Families
  • Maximum Term Part Time
  • Closing on: Jan 29 2026
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  • Part time (22.8 hours per fortnight)
  • Maximum term contract until 31 December 2027
  • Based in Bairnsdale with travel required across the Gippsland region
About the program

The Navigator Program utilises a trauma informed, culturally safe assertive case management model to respond to challenges experienced by young people with the goal of re-engaging disengaged learners in education. The program supports highly disengaged students aged 12-17 years who haven’t responded to school-based attendance and engagement interventions.

The program utilises a capability approach that understands how multiple characteristics can interact to compound educational disengagement that can result in disconnection and a lack of a sense of purpose and self-worth for young people. 

Your new role

Binging specialist mental health expertise, you will provide advice, psychological assessments and counselling for complex cases within the Navigator Program. You will play a key role leading an evidence-based model of care and strengthening the practice skills of Navigator Practitioners through consultation and practice support.

You will work in collaboration with a range of stakeholders including families/carers, schools, the Department of Education, Child Protection and allied health services to best support young people to re-engage with their education.

Benefits of working at Uniting

Our work isn’t easy, but it matters. Work with people who care as much as you.

In addition to your base salary equivalent to SCHADS Level 5 + Super, you can access the following.

  • An extra 17.5% on top of your fortnightly pay when you take paid annual leave 
  • Ability to increase your take-home pay by accessing up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits which can be used for living expenses such as rent, groceries, bills, clothing, and much more 
  • 10% discount for eligible employees on the childcare subsidy gap fee when using a Uniting Early Learning service or centre 
  • Free counselling with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Enjoy 25% off at Uniting Op Shops
Your skills and experience

You will bring with you:

  • A tertiary qualification in psychology or counselling
  • Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed and culturally competent practice
  • An understanding of the barriers experienced by disengaged learners
  • Experience working with young people impacted by mental health issues
  • Experience in psychological testing
  • Ability to develop collaborative relationships with other services, agencies and professionals to achieve optimal client outcomes
  • Current driver’s licence valid in Victoria

View the position description here

How to apply

Click APPLY to submit your interest.

If this role sounds like a good fit for you, please apply soon. We'll review applications as they come in and may close the ad early.

For any questions, please reach out to Heidi Hunter – Acting Senior Manager, Children Youth & Families on (03) 5144 777 to arrange a chat.

About Uniting

At Uniting we are passionate about working together to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We have a 5,000 strong workforce of employees and volunteers who deliver a diverse range of services across Victoria and Tasmania.

Visit us: www.vt.uniting.org

Uniting is a child safe organisation and is committed in everyday practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, at all times. As a ‘child safe’ organisation, employment with Uniting is subject to a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check and relevant Working with Children Check in your State prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.

Through the recruitment process, we will ask you for personal information. Disclosure is optional, however, it can help us support you better. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a diverse background or LGBT+. You will be given an opportunity in the application form to request additional support. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support you.

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