Job Description: Recreational/Diversional support role Casual position Kew location, friendly and supportive team environment Excellent benefits including salary packaging About the Role The Mental Health Services Officer will support evidence based therapeutic recreation and leisure programs with consumers at Normanby Unit in conjunction with the care team to support innovative, stimulating, multi-sensory activity programs to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of consumers. The position is one day per week and is based at St George’s Hospital, Cotham Road Kew. In consultation and under the supervision of the senior staff: Plan, implement and evaluate group activities Work with consumers and their family to develop individually tailored care; Maintain documentation reflecting the interventions and client response to activities; Actively engage clients in planning, delivery and the evaluation of interventions The position is approx. one day per week and based at St George’s Hospital, Cotham Road Kew. Classifications for this position will range from SO11 - SO18 ($27.00 - $32.17 per hour casual loading) Your Contribution Facilitate one to one and group leisure activities as outlined in care plans to promote mental, social and physical well-being of consumers Support the daily therapeutic activities of our allied health team Provide group, individual and CALD activities as appropriate under supervision of senior staff. Work effectively and proactively with staff, volunteers and others to ensure the best quality care Current Victorian Driver’s License and able to drive St Vincent’s vehicles A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, or willing to obtain What We Offer A focus on wellbeing initiatives, with regular events and programs Confidential, solutions-focused employee counselling A healthy work/life balance encouraged. Ability to join Fitness Passport - Your pass to an extensive choice of fitness facilities Salary Packaging – Increase your take home pay! Discounts always available through our Foundation Regular opportunities for professional development to assist you to reach your career goals Culture of continuous improvement About St Vincent’s and Aged Mental Health St Vincent’s is proud of its International reputation for delivery of Mental Health Services and the values of St Vincent Health Australia. SVHM Mental Health service consists of a variety of inpatient, specialist and community programs and utilises a strengths/recovery orientated approach. The St Vincent’s Older Adult Mental Health Service comprises community care via the Aged Psychiatry Assessment and Treatment Team (APATT) and Residential Support Team (RSP), inpatient care via Normanby Unit (20 bed acute mental health inpatient care) and continuing care via the Psychogeriatric Nursing Homes (PGNHs). We believe in a recovery approach, based on people’s personal strengths We believe that people have the capacity to recover, reclaim and transform their lives You will join a cohesive, supportive team, committed to the wellbeing of colleagues and consumers Working at St Vincent’s St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service. SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services and is driven by values of Compassion, Justice, Integrity and Excellence. Application Please attach your resume and cover letter to your application. For further Information regarding the position contact Sheila Noveloso or Alyssa Westphal on: 9231 8443. Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is essential to our mission and diversity reflects the community we serve. Please visit our website, for further information regarding our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment at SVHM SVHA has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine preventable diseases in healthcare settings. You may therefore be required to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations). LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT The older adult mental health service components are Normanby House acute inpatient service, the Aged Psychiatry Assessment and Treatment Team, and the Residential Support Program, located at St George’s Hospital in Kew, as well as links to psychogeriatric nursing homes for extended care, and a Consultation & Liaison Service provided to the St. George’s health service. POSITION PURPOSE To assist clinical staff in the delivery of a range of therapeutic programs under the supervision of a qualified professional staff member. Duties that support of the allied health team, social work, occupational therapy/ physiotherapy, music/ creative/recreation and daily living skills. To provide support to the mental health care team in the delivery of safe and quality person-centred care. Assist the Recreational Therapist and Occupational Therapist to assess, plan, implement and evaluate evidence based therapeutic recreation and leisure programs. Work with the client and their family and the care team to provide an innovative, stimulating, multi-sensory activities program to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of clients of the Older Adult Mental Health Service. To work with staff in developing strategies and activities to facilitate Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) staff capability in managing persistent psychiatric symptoms and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) on discharge from the Aged Mental Health Service. The Mental Health Officer is always required to work under the direction and supervision of the line manager and/or a discipline specific delegate, within their level of education and assessed competencies and under clearly defined role parameters. Elements of direct and indirect consumer care will be delegated in accordance with the professional judgement of the supervising clinician. POSITION DUTIES To assist consumers with daily living skills, therapy programs, diversional activities and other consumer related services. Attend ward/unit/program-based meetings and education sessions as requested by senior staff. In consultation and under the supervision of the senior staff: plan, implement and evaluate group activities; Work with consumers and their family to develop individually tailored care; maintain documentation reflecting the interventions and client response to activities; actively engage clients in planning, delivery and the evaluation of interventions Observe handover and clinical reviews. Attend relevant discipline meetings where possible. Accept accountability and responsibility for own actions and ensure that work is always within the capability and scope of the prequalified mental health employee. Work effectively and proactively with staff, volunteers and others to ensure the best possible care. Adhere to policies and procedures, attend and contribution to relevant meetings and timely completion of documentation SELECTION CRITERIA ESSENTIAL REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Registered Nursing applicants; Current enrolment in a Bachelor of Nursing Program or equivalent (i.e. Master of Nursing) Registered as a student nurse with AHPRA with no conditions of undertakings In final year old study, soon to graduate Enrolled Nursing applicants; Current enrolment in a Diploma of Nursing program Registered as a student nurse with AHPRA with no conditions of undertakings In final year of study, soon to graduate Allied Health applicants; Undertaking undergraduate studies towards a health practitioner degree in Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Dietetics In final year of study, soon to graduate OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS Strong interest in mental health and well-being and considering a career in mental health Well-developed interpersonal skills, clear communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to work as a team member and contribute to team decisions, as well as the willingness to take advice and direction. An interest in understanding the range of issues experienced by people experiencing mental illness presenting with high level needs, and a commitment to helping meet the needs of consumers and families/carers. Computer literacy Commitment to: The Values and Health Care Philosophy of the Sisters of Charity The Principles of the St. Vincent’s Hospital Patient Care Model The Hospital’s Code of Conduct Closing Date: 25 March 2026 11:59pm Reconciliation Action Plan: At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. For further information, visit https ://www.svha.org.au/about-us/reconciliation or get in contact at indigenouscareers@svha.org.au View Reconciliation Action Plan Code of Conduct: View Code of Conduct
