Is this you?

• Seeking a fixed term role to deliver crucial psychosocial support to those in need?
• Want to work in the local community and make a difference?
• Seeking flexibility to work four or five days a week?

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re integrate back into the community. If all this sounds like you, read on!

About Us

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

About the role and programs

The Mental Health Intake and Recovery Worker is the initial point of contact for clients and their carers experiencing psychological stress brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. They will work across two key areas, Partners in Wellbeing and Pop-up Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Services (CMHWS).

The Partners in Wellbeing program is a time limited initiative which will be delivered across Victoria via telephone and video technology. Mental Health Intake and Recovery Worker will help clients and their carers experiencing psychosocial distress due to the COVID-19 physical distancing and isolation measures, including those who are required to self-isolate. This includes people with lived experience of mental illness, as well as those experiencing poor psychosocial health for the first time due to the impacts of COVID-19. ACSO delivers the entirety of the Partners in Wellbeing program in regional Victoria, staff employed in the advertised role would be responsible for intake and support of clients prior to comprehensive assessment.

The Pop-up CMHWS program complements clinical interventions and treatment by actively supporting the recovery of people with emerging or existing mental ill health. It also ensures people with new and ongoing mental health needs get the support they need. The service is delivered by a combination of walk-in, online and telephone to act as a front door for people to access the mental health and wellbeing service system. Referrals to Pop-up CMHWS can be made via Partners in Wellbeing and will include an initial support discussion followed by comprehensive assessment and planning with clients. ACSO are one of the intake providers for the Pop-up CMHWS program, staff employed in the advertised role would be responsible for intake and support of clients prior to referral to the service provider.

What we're looking for

• Tertiary qualification (minimum level of certificate IV) in a health-related discipline (e.g. nursing, psychology, social work, community work)
• Significant experience in an intake and referral role or similar
• Capacity to work a minimum of four days per week
• Ability to provide psychosocial and emotional support (via phone, online or in person) to people referred to the service as well as their carers'
• Experience with supporting individuals who have experienced complex problems such as substance use, mental illness, intellectual disability, homelessness and family violence
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to negotiate, liaise and consult with a wide range of professionals in the community welfare sector
• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills as well as ability to handle busy and sometimes complex situations
• Ability to liaise and negotiate with a range of health and other professionals and to develop and deliver information to relevant stakeholders.

What ACSO can offer you

• Full-time, fixed term positions available until 30 September 2022. Part-time (minimum four days per week) will be considered for the right candidate.
• $74,167 base salary + 10% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Shepparton, Mildura or Barwon location!
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks)
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program
• Flexible working arrangements
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or medical procedures related to gender transition.

How to Apply

If you think you'd be a great fit - we'd love to hear from you!

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

Please note ACSO is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe and minimises risk to the health and wellbeing of all employees, clients, contractors, volunteers and representatives. ACSO's new employees will be required to be double vaccinated against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

Please note, as ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To learn more about this position, please contact Jenny Svoboda, Program Manager - Intake Services, on 0417 101 536.

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.