Grade 2 Occ Therapist or Social Worker - Residential Support Program

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Monash Health is Victoria’s largest and most comprehensive health service. For more than 170 years, Monash Health and its predecessors have provided safe, high-quality healthcare and service for people at every life stage. With 25,500 employees, we provide care across south-eastern metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria from over 40 locations; via telehealth, within local communities and in people’s homes.

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Embark on a rewarding career and be part of a team where your dedication makes a difference in people’s lives.

About our Community Mental Health Service at Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Residential Support Program (RSP) is one of the Community Based services for older adults within the Older Adult Mental Health Services in Monash Health. The service provided by the program includes mental health assessment and treatment, development of behaviour management plans and education. This service is generally for persons aged 65 years and over who have a Mental Illness or Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) and live in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF).
RSP is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. Working together, they provide a comprehensive person-centred approach to mental health care. The teams comprise Psychiatrists, Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Neuropsychologists. RSP provides comprehensive assessment, treatment and case management for clients who meet criteria, which includes but not limited to:

• Mental Health Assessment & Risk Screening;
• Support through visits or phone calls & time limited counselling/family therapy.
• Hands-on assistance/modelling with personal care interventions,
• Periods of observation or Dementia Care Mapping,
• Development of individual behaviour management plans with input (where possible) from the client, staff, GP, carers and family
• Provision of client-specific education to assist employees and carers in their care

RSP operates during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm). There is provision for limited flexibility outside these hours during the working week. The Residential Support Program (RSP) also provides education services to Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF). This type of education will enhance a facility’s ability to effectively manage residents in their care who exhibit challenging behaviour due to long standing mental illness or dementia. Topics may include: Dementia and Challenging Behaviours, Reasons for difficult behaviours, De-escalation, Improving Communication with Clients with Dementia & Mental illness.

About The Role

This position is available for a suitably qualified Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.  Working collaboratively with clinicians of various disciplines you will ensure high quality of care is provided to consumers in the service area. We will look to you to provide comprehensive mental health assessments and demonstrate competence in managing complex, mental health issues whilst adjusting to changing priorities as well as sharing with the team your discipline specific expertise. This role provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring clinicians to explore community mental health or as an opportunity to try Older Adult Mental Health, extensive training is provided where required. This opportunity is for part time up to 4 days a week. 

About You

You are either a Social Worker or Occupational Therapist who is passionate about taking part in achieving excellence. Your calm and confident disposition will see you focus on achieving exceptional outcomes for consumers. Your approach is patient centred and are confident with being guided by the team as well as making independent decision for the benefit of the consumer. 

What You Need:

• Relevant Qualification (aligned to position description and role statement)
• Demonstrated experience preferably in community mental health or equivalent
• Experience and/or interest in working with older adults (65+) is highly desirable
• Current AHPRA registration (OT only)
• Include any other mandatory/required skills or licenses

For a confidential discussion and to explore the opportunity further, please call Gus Cruz -Community Service Manager | Older Adult Mental Health Service on 0416 225 841.

Social Work Position Description can be found here

Social Work Role Statement can be found here

Occupational Therapy Position Description can be found here

Occupational Therapy Role Statement can be found here

We recognise the value of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to patient safety, promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace and to Child Safe Standards. At Monash Health we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence and work to our six guiding principles and our five ICare values. To learn more about our organisation visit monashhealth.org

How to Apply

Applications are accepted via the Monash Health online EHub system. For information including how to apply and probity check requirements, please click here for the ‘Application Guide’ 

Applications will be screened upon receipt and selection activity may commence prior to the closing date. Respectfully, applications from Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted.

Applications close: 17 January 2025