Expressions of Interest are invited from suitably qualified and experienced Mental Health Nurses who identify as Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander to provide contracted services at outlined below.
Health Voyage Ltd considers that being Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
The Mental Health Nursing Services program is funded by the Department of Health and is managed by Health Voyage Ltd (via Healthy North Coast Ltd and EACH Ltd).
The Mental Health Nursing Service (MHNS) contractors provide person centred clinical and non-clinical mental health services and advocacy for people living within the Mid and North Coast community who have severe and complex mental health challenges and who are under the care of community-based GPs and Psychiatrists. Mental Health Nurses can provide longer term (though not indefinite) support and perform a role within the stepped care model. As such, as the client’s level of need changes, they will be transitioned to be supported by lower intensity service providers, or acute care service providers.
Clients of MH Nurses are typically experiencing challenges as a result of mental illness and have been diagnosed, or are diagnosable, with a mental disorder according to the criteria in the World Health Organisation Diagnostic and Management Guidelines for Mental Health Disorders in Primary Care: ICD 10, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders. The impact of the mental illness upon the person is considered as severe and cannot be adequately addressed by lower intensity service options including psychological services.
Deliverable Client service types include:
- Biopsychosocial Assessment – which will identify areas where the Client may require support with their mental, physical and social health
- Clinical Care Coordination
- Medication management
- Mental State Examinations (MSE)
- Psychoeducation
- Psychological interventions
- Motivational interviewing
- Identification and appropriate management of co-existing physical illnesses
- Provision of Group Services
- Referral to complimentary services
- Post Attempt Care
- Technology enabled coordinated care
- Social Connectedness, and
- Support and referral of Clients to providers of psychosocial services and, where appropriate for Clients with enduring and persistent mental illness, provide appropriate support to Clients wishing to apply for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
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Services can be provided in a range of settings, such as in GP clinics, a Healthy Hub, own consulting rooms or, if necessary to meet a Client’s need, at a Client’s home.
Contractors working under this program are typically Credentialed Mental Health Nurses, but other appropriately qualified health professionals, such as registered nurses with training and experience in mental health, may be considered in areas where there is a shortage of credentialled mental health nurses.
Mental Health Nurses are paid at an hourly rate for the provision of services, which includes Client facing time, maintaining Client records, case coordination and other administrative tasks. It is expected that on average seventy percent (70%) of the time spent providing services will be spent with the Client.
Enquiries: For more information about the MHNS program or Contractor requirements please contact Suzanne O’Donnell at headspace Coffs Harbour on 02 6652 1878 or mhns@healthvoyage.org.au
How to apply: EOIs should include a CV and cover letter outlining experience and suitability to provide these services and are to be submitted to mhns@healthvoyage.org.au
Closing date:Â EOIs close at 5pm on Friday 5 January 2024
