WISE Ways to WorkWISE Ways to Work is a new mental health program to help people living with mental illness prepare for the world of work, and be supported on a graded pathway to employment. The program, delivered in North Melbourne, helps participants to build key skills for work such as concentration, memory, problem solving, and mental and physical health management.PLEASE MAKE CONTACT TO Kimberley 0428 678 077

Indigenous Peer Support Worker The Personal Helpers and Mentors service (PHaMs) supports people whose lives are severely affected by mental health problems. It is a key part of the Australian Government’s Mental Health program, and is part of the Council of Australian Government’s National Action Plan on Mental Health.The Personal Helpers and Mentors service (PHaMs) focuses on strengths – what people with mental illness can do, rather than what they can’t do. It focuses on recovery – demonstrating that people with mental illness can lead a fulfilled life in the community with the same opportunities as other people. People who join the program will work with their own Personal Helper and Mentor who will support them on their recovery.What do Personal Helpers and Mentors do?Personal Helpers and Mentors will work with you to develop goals and some strategies to achieve these goals.They will provide you with opportunities, support and services that will help you reconnect with your community. They will be someone you can talk to when things aren’t going so well.It’s a team approach where you and your Personal Helper and Mentor will work together to make things happen and get outcomes YOU want. It’s about trust and respect.The support will be tailored to suit your individual needs – some common examples would be:• Working with you to learn how to better manage everyday tasks such as housekeeping, managing finances and learning how to use public transport• Helping you get relationships with family and friends back on track• Accessing appropriate clinical support• Advising you on some parenting difficulties you may be having• Working with you to get you involved in a community activity that you would really like to do• Connecting you with other services or programs that could also support you on your recovery journey, like drug and alcohol, housing, or medical support

Specialist staff support To ensure Indigenous vacancies are filled appropriately by all WISE Victorian sites To help increase WISE Indigenous referralsTo help assess and increase current WISE Indigenous outcomes To assist WISE Case Managers to better understand and address Indigenous job seeker barriers To participate in the Indigenous Opportunities Plan (IOP) Project Team and contribute to overall IOP objectives.To provide cultural knowledge, advice and support where required.To assist with the collection and communication of all WISE Victorian Indigenous activities and outcomes. To ensure all Victorian Indigenous job vacancies are distributed to relevant WISE sites. Community Support Provide support, guidance and assistance to Indigenous job seekers and potential employers. Provide mentoring assistance to WISE Indigenous job seekers to gain and maintain employment. Provide a high quality service to Indigenous community organisations.  Engage and network with relevant community groups to ensure WISE Indigenous job seekers can access appropriate opportunities.  Consult Indigenous community leaders on the development of WISE Employment Indigenous employment strategies.Business Support Engage with employers about Indigenous employment action plans/strategies. Assist with Indigenous Wage Subsidy and Indigenous Employment Program applications. Assist with the development of culturally appropriate workplace practices.  Share vacancy opportunities with internal and external contacts.Aboriginal job seeker support:  Negotiate appropriate job placements and work experience placements for all job seekers.  Refer job seekers requiring additional agency support to appropriate programs, training and specialist service partners. Help job seekers to develop resumes, letters of application and interview preparation.  Assist with career guidance and training.  Provide post placement support and mentoring.