Bi-Cultural Mental Health Project Officer/Groupworker (Mandaean Community) #1146-S

Do you want to work in one of Australia’s leading organisations providing treatment and rehabilitation to torture and trauma survivors; that’s quality focused, diverse & committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in communities.

Come & join us!

THE ORGANISATION

"STARTTS is a not-for-profit Affiliated Health Organisation focused on providing a broad range of services to refugees in NSW. The focus of STARTTS approach is on building capacity and empowering people and communities to take control over their own lives, using a strengths-based approach and building on individual, family, community and cultural strengths."

THE ROLE

This position will be working within the STARTTS Community Development Team to work with support structures in the Mandaean community in South West Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) to increase the capacity of community leaders, volunteers, peer educators and community support structures to identify and support people at risk of suicide or serious mental health illness and make appropriate referrals.  The position will deliver psycho-education and lifestyle/well-being group interventions to enable Mandaean community members to better identify signs of distress in themselves and develop appropriate coping strategies, develop mutually supportive relationships, break social isolation, reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance, increase knowledge and access to a variety of mental health services.

PERKS & BENEFITS

• Employment with attractive leave entitlements including 14 weeks paid parental leave, 4 weeks’ annual leave and paid Accrued Day Off (ADO) (full-time employees only) and other entitlements.
• Salary packaging options that reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay.
• Great education opportunities through our Training department.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members.
• Discounted gym memberships with a Fitness Passport.
• Active Social Club.
• Potential access to Fleet Cars.
• Flexible hybrid work.

Position No:    1146-S

Closing date:   Friday 28 November 2025

Enquiries:        Hamed Turray; Community Development Team Leader  (02) 9646 6700

Work Type:       Part time; 32 hours per week Contract up to 30 June 2026 (continuation subject to ongoing funding)

Location:          Liverpool

Salary:              Health Education Officer or other relevant classification based on qualifications, experience, and requirements of the role. A generous salary packaging scheme is also offered.

Vaccination Requirement: Category A

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT

1. Relevant qualifications and experience in psychology, social work, mental health promotion, community development, counselling, group work or other relevant disciplines.

    

2. Demonstrated understanding of torture and trauma on individuals, families, and communities and its impact on resettlement in the Australian context.

    

3. Demonstrated adult education and/or training skills.

    

4. Excellent understanding of the needs and issues related to mental health literacy and suicide prevention faced by Mandaean community members settling in South West Sydney.

    

5. Excellent oral, written & interpersonal communication skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office.

    

6. Experience in community development and/or group work in multicultural settings and the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within a multicultural environment.

    

7. Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate mental health literacy interventions and suicide prevention frameworks and strategies.

    

8. Demonstrated understanding of nature-based interventions for mental health and wellbeing.

    

    

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENT

1. Knowledge of stakeholders in the refugee/migrant/Mental Health sector in South West Sydney.

2. Current NSW Driver's License.

*This position is considered child-related employment and will require a Working with Children Background Check and a National Police Check.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

**This role is a Category A role. It is mandatory for Category A workers to meet and maintain the vaccination criteria (as per the current NSW Health and STARTTS policies).Vaccination and/or assessment is required for Category A workers for the following transmissible diseases – measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and tuberculosis. 
COVID19 vaccination is strongly recommended, but not a requirement for employment.
If successful you must provide evidence of vaccination and/or assessment.
Should you not be able to comply with vaccination requirements before your commencement date, the offer of employment may be withdrawn.
If you have a medical reason for why you cannot be vaccinated, a medical contraindication evidence will be required. 
 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUALITY, AND INCLUSION:

STARTTS is committed to equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and others who reflect the diversity of our society.

HOW TO APPLY