Psychologist/Accredited Mental Health Social Worker/M.H OT in Coffs Harbour

Are you passionate about supporting mental health during the perinatal period? Ready to take your career to new heights? This is Australia’s first Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health with integrated paid placement!

In collaboration with Federation University, Gidget Foundation Australia is proud to offer registered Mental Health professionals/Medicare endorsed, the opportunity to enhance their skills by completing and obtaining a Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health. The collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and Federation University demonstrates a commitment to excellence in education, the advancement of perinatal mental health care and a unique opportunity to undertake paid placement whilst you are studying.

The service is delivered through Medicare’s Better Access initiative and the remuneration for all clinicians is therefore the affiliated Medicare Rebate.

Why Choose Our Program?

• Paid placement: This paid placement opportunity presents a unique chance for clinicians to simultaneously gain work experience, earn a qualification, and be paid whilst advancing their career in the perinatal sector.
• Practical Assessments: Our university assessments are designed to be practical and seamlessly integrated into your daily tasks without adding unnecessary workload.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the combined expertise of industry professionals and faculty members from Federation University.
• Tailored Curriculum: Enjoy being able to integrate the practical and theoretical aspects of the course in real time by working with clients under the capable supervision of our experienced clinical team.
• Certification: Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health, recognising their expertise in this area. The Graduate Diploma can be offered as a stand-alone course, or a stepping stone to a Masters qualification.

What You Can Expect

• A unique opportunity to complete training via a scholarship and a paid work placement.
• This is a 12-month program consisting of workshops, seminars and online modules developed and led by industry professionals and educators.
• Weekly individual supervision with a dedicated perinatal supervisor.
• The opportunity to work in Gidget House Coffs Harbour based in Tresillian Coffs Family Care Centre.
• This program requires a commitment of two days/week.

Gidget Foundation Australia offers:

• Centralised administrative support, appointment booking and service promotion.
• No rental or overheads contribution.
• Free professional development opportunities and GFA funded places available.
• Accreditation or registration as a clinical or registered psychologist, accredited mental health social worker or mental health endorsed occupational therapist.
• Trainees are expected to commit to building up to seeing a minimum of 5 clients a week for 12 months.
• Ongoing commitment opportunities to continue employment with GFA for at least a day per week for 12 months post the one-year academic program.
• Ongoing employment opportunities including supervision.
• At least 2 years post registration or accreditation experience desirable.
• Interest in perinatal mental health work.
• Demonstrated high level communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently under approved professional supervision.
• Effective caseload management.

The Foundation: Gidget Foundation Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents. Gidget was the nickname of a vibrant young mother who tragically took her own life while suffering postnatal depression. She hid her suffering from even her loving family and friends. Together, they created the Gidget Foundation Australia determined that what happened to Gidget would not happen to others.

The suitable applicant will be subject to the relevant pre-employment checks for appointment to positions at Gidget Foundation Australia. Gidget Foundation Australia is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, that represents the communities we support across Australia. We encourage people of all backgrounds, those with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ to apply. All employees, contractors and volunteers are expected to comply with GFA’s current vaccination policy.