Summary:
The STEPS Program is a residential mental health service supporting young people aged 13 to 18 with moderate to severe mental health challenges. The program provides a structured and therapeutic environment focused on safety, developing daily living skills, and recovery-oriented care. STEPS operates on a 24/7 roster. This is a shift-based role requiring availability across a range of shift types, including evenings, overnight (sleepover and/or awake), weekends, and public holidays. We are currently seeking applicants who can commit to a minimum of 35 hours per fortnight, with the potential for increased hours in the near future.
Shift times for the STEPS Program are:
Weekday Shifts – Monday to Friday:
Day Shift: 06.30am to 4.30pm, Support Shift: 3.30pm to 8.30pm, Sleepover Shift 4.30pm to 11.00pm – 11.00pm to 7.00am (sleep) – Awake Shift: 8.30pm to 6.30am.
Weekend Shifts – Saturday to Sunday:
Day Shift: 6.30am to 4.30pm, Support Shift: 1.30pm to 8.30pm, Sleepover Shift 4.30pm to 11.00pm (sleep) – Awake Shift: 8.30pm to 6.30am.
To meet current program needs, applicants must have availability across the following days/shifts: Tuesday – Day Shift, Thursday – Support Shift and Friday – Day Shift.
The Role:
As a Mental Health Assistant, you will provide practical and therapeutic support to young people in their day-to-day lives. This includes assisting residents to access community, social, and recreational activities; supporting self-care and domestic tasks; providing transport; and facilitating both group and individual skill development. You will play a key role in building social skills and supporting young people to develop independence and daily living capabilities.
Working with young people experiencing mental distress, this role requires strong time management, administration, and communication skills, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a specialist youth mental health team.
About Us:
Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn is the social services agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. We are committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through inclusive, collaborative, and reslationship-focused services. Our work is guided by our values of Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Care & Compassion, and Inclusivity.
Why Join Us?
Join a values-driven organisation where you can make a meaningful impact in the community.
We offer:
- Salary packaging benefits
- Free on-site parking
- Ongoing professional development
- A supportive, family-friendly work environment
- Certified Great Place to Work
About You:
You are compassionate, reliable, and committed to supporting young people to achieve their goals.
You will be competent maintaining accurate records, contributing to reporting and KPIs, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to support positive outcomes for young people.
You bring:
- A minimum Cert IV in Mental Health (or higher)
- Experience working with young people experiencing moderate to severe mental health challenges, ideally in a residential setting
- Strong communication, time management, and administration skills
- The ability to respond effectively in crisis situations
- An understanding of recovery-oriented practice and trauma-informed care
- Sound knowledge of WHS, privacy, and mandatory reporting requirements
You will also require a current Working with Vulnerable People Card, Police Check, and Driver’s Licence.
How to Apply
- Submit an updated resume
- Provide a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the above criteria
Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Closing Date: 5 July 2026
Marymead CatholicCare is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people who identify as LGBTIQ+, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
