Mental Health Nurse- Remote Services

About the Organisation

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services LTD (KAMS) is a well-established regional Aboriginal community controlled health service, founded in 1986, which provides centralised advocacy and resource support for 6 independent member services, as well as providing direct clinical services in a further 6 remote Aboriginal communities across the region.

KAMS has successfully delivered high-quality, accessible comprehensive primary health care services over its 22 years of operation and has provided innovation and national leadership in areas such as health information management and evidence based best practice in primary health care.

The Kimberley region is located in the northern part of Western Australia and covers about 421,000 square kilometers. The Kimberley has only three towns with a population of more than 2,000 (Broome, Derby and Kununurra), and the total population is around 37,000. In addition to the sealed Route 1 which runs along the southern part of the area, the unsealed Gibb River Road runs through the heart of the region from Derby to the highway near Kununurra. Access to much of the region is by dirt road, air or sea.

About the Opportunity

KAMS now has an opportunity for a Mental Health Nurse- Remote Services to join their friendly, multidisciplinary team in Kutjungka Region, WA, on a full time basis, roster 6 weeks on, 3 weeks off. Reporting to the Health Centre Manager, you will be required to work as part of a team delivering coordinated, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health and emergency care to clients, their family, and their community. The Mental Health Nurse- Remote Services will work in collaboration with the Social Emotional and Wellbeing (SEWB) Worker to prioritize early intervention, assessment and counselling to promote mental health and wellbeing in line with the ACCHS model of care.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide initial screening and evidence-based assessment to identify individuals experiencing biopsychosocial concerns including but not limited to, mental health and/or alcohol and other drug issues, interpersonal difficulties, familial conflict, or at risk of causing harm to themselves or others.
• Provide early intervention and clinical counselling services.
• Participate in and encourage continuous quality improvement activities with ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
• Actively identify and manage clinical risk according to KAMS guidelines and protocols.
• Attend clinical supervision according to KAMS supervision policy.
• Act as a clinical resource to orientate, support, mentor and develop new staff, students and other members of the health team.
• Identify gaps and work collaboratively with service providers, local community councils and organisations to deliver relevant, appropriate and effective mental health, social emotional well-being and primary health care programs.
• Maintain networks and contribute to planning forums, steering groups and consultancies in order to assist with local health program development and priority setting

 To view the position description, please click here.

Please note: It is a requirement that successful candidates hold a current WA Working With Children Check, and be willing to undergo a National Police Check prior to employment with KAMS.

What you'll need to be successful

To be successful, you will be Eligible for registration in the category of Registered Nurse by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. and have Demonstrated use of recovery approaches in working with people with mental health conditions at an individual, family and community level.You'll have a solid understanding of cultural safety and a commitment to the principles of Aboriginal community controlled health services. Any experience working in remote areas or with Aboriginal communities will be highly regarded. 

Importantly, you'll be a collaborative team player with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt your communication style to work effectively with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

Please note: Due to the frequent travel required, you will need to hold a current, Manual Driver's Licence, and be comfortable travelling by 4WD or light aircraft as required. 

About the Benefits

KAMS is an organisation that truly values its team, and is committed to improving employee knowledge, skills and experience. This role is a highly attractive opportunity for someone with a desire to develop their professional knowledge and experience in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health!

While you will face diverse new challenges in the role, you will also enjoy an attractive salary package including a base salary of $114,563 plus super and a further host of benefits, including:

• 25% of base salary in lieu of payment for availability & call-out hours worked 
• District allowance $2,740 p.a.;
• Isolation airfare reimbursement of up to $1,400;
• Retention bonus of $8,000 after 2 continuous years of service:
• Accommodation provided whilst in the community.

Please note: People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills, advance your career and enhance your cultural knowledge in stunning outback locations. Make a positive difference — Apply Now!