Overview

NDIS Mental Health Support Worker
Animo – Melbourne VIC, Australia
Aged & Disability Support (Community Services & Development)
Casual/Vacation | $43.53 per hour + superannuation

Join Animo as a Mental Health Support Worker and become part of a compassionate and professional team dedicated to empowering individuals with psychosocial disabilities. With flexible scheduling, strong hourly wages, and the opportunity to make a real impact, this role is perfect for professionals seeking rewarding, client-centred work in the community.

About Animo

Animo is a community-based mental health organisation operating under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We deliver person-centred support to participants with psychosocial disabilities, helping them to live independently, build confidence, and achieve their personal goals. Our team of mental health support workers provides services directly in the homes of NDIS participants and within the broader community. Our commitment to delivering high-quality care is matched by our above-award wages, fostering a workplace that values your time, expertise, and wellbeing.

Why Work With Us?

At Animo, we believe in flexibility, autonomy, and professional respect. We understand that high-quality mental health support requires committed and compassionate individuals, and we are proud to offer competitive compensation. Casual positions start at $43.53 per hour (plus super), with significant penalty rates for evenings, weekends, and public holidays. We do not require you to work from an office—you will work independently and enjoy the freedom to set your own schedule in coordination with your clients. Most workers build up to 30+ hours per week within three weeks of starting.

Position Overview

As a Mental Health Support Worker, you’ll work directly with NDIS participants in their homes and local communities. Your role will involve developing a regular, ongoing schedule with clients—typically meeting once or twice weekly—based on their needs and your availability. Your hours are flexible and client-based, allowing you to fit work around your personal and family commitments. Most of our support workers develop a consistent roster of 20 to 35 hours per week, working across 4 to 5 days. Please note: the majority of our support is delivered during standard business hours, Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build trusting relationships with clients to promote mental health recovery and stability

  • Support clients in their daily routines, including personal tasks, shopping, appointments, and community engagement

  • Assist with physical activity goals such as walking or attending a gym

  • Provide practical help around the home, including light gardening or cleaning tasks

  • Offer guidance and companionship, helping clients navigate social settings with confidence

  • Assist with administrative responsibilities like Centrelink appointments, budgeting, and housing support

  • Document client progress and report relevant information using digital tools

Day-to-Day Examples

  • Sharing a cup of tea and having a reflective conversation

  • Taking a walk in the park

  • Attending a local shopping centre to build social confidence

  • Accompanying clients to medical or therapy appointments

  • Supporting them to set up and follow a structured daily routine

Compensation

  • Weekday (Standard): $43.53/hr

  • Weekday Evenings (after 8 PM): $47.88/hr

  • Saturday: $60.93/hr

  • Sunday: $78.34/hr

  • Public Holidays: $95.75/hr

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking motivated, empathetic individuals who thrive in independent roles and are passionate about supporting people with mental health challenges. You’ll need to be confident in your ability to work autonomously while maintaining consistent communication with supervisors and colleagues.

Essential Criteria

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Previous experience in a community or mental health support role

  • Commitment to working at least 20 hours per week (mostly between 9 AM – 5 PM weekdays)

  • Ability to manage your own roster and take initiative

  • Willingness to commit to at least 12 months in the role for client consistency

  • Proficiency with basic office technology (Microsoft Teams, email, mobile apps)

  • Access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license (client transportation is required; mileage reimbursed)

Highly Regarded Qualifications (Not Essential)

  • Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field

  • Certificate IV in Mental Health or similar

  • Lived experience with mental health recovery

  • Formal counselling training or community support certifications

Application Process

We encourage early applications, as we begin contacting strong candidates before the closing date. If selected, you will be invited for an initial phone interview. Interviews are typically conducted within 2–4 weeks.

How to Apply

Please email your application to recruitment@animo.net.au. Use the subject line: [Your Full Name] – [Your Home Suburb]. Do not apply via the “Apply Now” button or other portals to ensure it reaches the appropriate team.

Include the following:

  1. A current CV

  2. A document with responses (in bullet point format) to the following questions:

  • Full name:

  • Home suburb:

  • Phone number:

  • Best time to call:

  • Personal email address:

  • How many hours per week would you like to work?

  • When can you start?

  • Are you open to working weekends? (Rates: Saturday $60.93 | Sunday $78.34 | Public Holiday $95.75)

  • Why do you want to work as a mental health support worker? (Approx. 200–400 words)

  • Summary of relevant experience, qualifications, and skills (Approx. 200–400 words)

If you have questions, you may contact us via recruitment@animo.net.au. There is no need to follow up on your application. We will contact successful applicants directly.

Take the next step in your mental health career with Animo—where you’ll make a real difference in people’s lives while enjoying the flexibility and rewards you deserve.

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