Ever wondered what a Day in the Life of a mental health worker would look like?​

Making a difference to another person’s quality of life is one of the most rewarding ways one can devote their time, and that’s something mental health support workers do every day in their career.

Jasmine Lister, Personal Helper and Mentor for remote and rural Darwin at TeamHEALTH, embraces the fact that she can instil hope on her participants and their enjoyment in life again and to know that she was a part of that change, she feels, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job.

”I am most passionate about promoting independence and quality of life for my participants.

“A typical day. Well that’s one reason why I love my job, my days are so varied. Recovery is directed by the individual and I support them in any way that I can whether attending a hospital appointment to offer emotional support, going to the library to assist with developing computer skills, practising stress management techniques or promoting social inclusion by arranging a BBQ at Berry Springs,” Jasmine said.

TeamHEALTH provides early intervention, education and mental health services to the Darwin region and the rural and remote communities of the Top End.

It is the goal of TeamHEALTH to build capacity within the Top End community to understand and better manage mental health issues.

“I was drawn to this particular role as I am passionate about supporting individuals experiencing mental health issues especially as it is an invisible illness that for many people they suffer in silence for a long time before asking for help.  The strength based recovery model used also attracted me to the role as it means that the focus is on the individual’s strengths and abilities empowering participant’s to have control and direct their own recovery journey.

“I am surprised by how flexible my role can be, allowing me to use my imagination to become creative to suggest ways to improve an individual’s mental health, “Jasmine explained.

TeamHEALTH’s programs are provided within a model of recovery focussed psychosocial rehabilitation and within the framework of the National Mental Health Plan and Standard.

Kasee Holwell, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Worker at TeamHEALTH, is a key worker to 12 participants and she works individually with them to create a recovery plan which best suits their goals that they would like to achieve at a pace which is timely and realistic.

“I am passionate about creating individual goals with my participants and helping them act on it no matter how big or small they seem.

To know that a participant won’t be homeless because we have advocated for them or to hear that a participant is going out and catching the bus on their own when they previously couldn’t leave the house is just as greater achievement,” Kasee said.

“It’s so nice to see their smiling faces and knowing we had some part in making it happen. Also, everyone who works at TeamHEALTH is very supportive, friendly and welcoming and makes for a wonderful environment to work in,” she said.

Are you interested in empowering individuals with mental illness on their recovery journey? Then apply at www.teamhealth.asn.au.