Perinatal Mental Health Practitioner

1w1 week ago

Mission Australia

Darwin, AU · Part-time · A$81,169 – A$81,169

About this role

When you join ForWhen (Connect and Care) in Darwin as a Perinatal Mental Health Practitioner, you deliver a national mental health helpline supporting expectant and new parents experiencing or at risk of perinatal mental health challenges. The service emphasises early intervention, prevention, and improved access to support for parents facing birth trauma, miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.

You provide compassionate, evidence-informed support primarily via phone while building local presence through regular engagement at Royal Darwin and Palmerston hospitals. This on-site role blends direct clinical contact with system navigation to ensure families connect safely to appropriate services.

Working within a nationally connected program, you contribute to improving service accessibility, enhancing mental health literacy, and reducing stigma. You ensure culturally safe and inclusive care for diverse communities across the Northern Territory through proactive outreach and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The position offers a permanent part-time contract with a 9-day fortnight, providing genuine work-life balance alongside NFP salary packaging benefits at $81,169 plus super.

Requirements

Qualifications in nursing, midwifery, social work, psychology, or a related field, with a minimum of three years’ relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience or strong understanding of perinatal and infant mental health, including pregnancy, birth, and post-natal challenges.
Ability to conduct mental health assessments, risk identification, and apply appropriate escalation pathways.
Strong knowledge of child development, parenting, and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

Provide intake, screening, and structured mental health assessments for expectant and new parents via the national helpline.
Deliver triage and navigation support, connecting families with appropriate local services and maintaining engagement until handover is complete.
Offer early intervention and prevention support to parents experiencing or at risk of perinatal mental illness, including those affected by trauma or loss.
Conduct proactive follow-up to ensure families are progressing safely and receiving the required level of care.
Build and maintain strong relationships with health professionals, hospitals, and community services to support effective referral pathways.
Maintain accurate records, case notes, and data within systems in line with service and compliance requirements.
Participate in outreach activities, including regular on-site engagement at local hospitals and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.