RACF Clinician

Better Place Australia has a vision of “An Australia where all people experience positive relationships, truly value each other and live safer, more fulfilling lives”.  Our purpose is “To empower people to become more resilient and experience improved wellbeing to better determine their futures”.

Our organisational values are at the forefront of all interactions with our employees, our clients and our stakeholders. We are:

• Creative
• Caring
• Welcoming
• Responsive; and
• Thriving

As a community focused ‘for-purpose’ 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 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 elderly. 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 Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) to provide Psychological Services in RACFs in the Geelong region. The position holder will deliver therapeutic interventions for residents of aged care facilities experiencing low-moderate depression and anxiety.

What you will do:

• Provision of treatment by way of individual sessions and Group Therapy Programs (1:1 at RACF, via telehealth and phone)
• Reviewing the outcomes of sessions, supports and strategies
• Referral of clients to alternative support services as and where required
• Liaising with project team and group facilitator, contributing to group sessions where appropriate

What you will need:

• Registered as a Psychologist, with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or
• 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).

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
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Up to 20 days family violence leave
• Paid study leave and extensive professional development opportunities

Better Place Australia

Better Place Australia is a for-purpose organisation, providing services for all members of the community regardless of religion, age, gender, sexuality, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances. We offer a workplace culture reflective of a vibrant, learning organisation where our people are highly engaged in their work and committed to making a difference.

At BPA, we all have a shared responsibility for supporting a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Our organisation is committed to child safety, and we carry out police record, working with children and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people.

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.

Workplace Flexibility

Here at Better Place Australia, we embrace flexible ways of working including work from home. We encourage you to talk to us about what flexibility might look like for you and your individual needs.

Further Information

This is a 12‑month fixed term, part time role (0.6 FTE) until 30 June 2027. It involves outreach based service delivery, including working from home and occasional travel to other locations as required.

For further information, access a copy of the position description. Enquiries from prospective candidates may be directed to Mr Ronan Galloghly, Program Coordinator and Supervisor, at ronan.galloghly@betterplace.com.au

Whilst we appreciate the interest of all prospective candidates, please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Ready to join us? Apply now – we look forward to hearing from you!