At Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, we focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in Sydney, from East to South and the Inner West. Primary health refers to the healthcare provided in the community, such as a local doctor, pharmacist or psychologist. We provide support and training to these health professionals. We help them to connect community members to other services so that everyone involved in a person’s care can know how best to look after their health.

PHNs are not-for-profit organisations. We receive money from the government to provide health services that are right for the people in this area. We also work with hospitals, specialists, aged care facilities and others to improve people’s experience when needing healthcare. We work to make it easier for people to get the best care and support when and where they need it to achieve our vision of healthy and thriving communities.

About this job

• Work from Office initially with hybrid working arrangements - 2 days required in office
• Office based in Mascot (close to public transport)
• Purpose driven organisation
• Salary packaging available, additional leave days, EAP and other benefits
• Full-time Fixed-term contract until June 2026

The Child and Youth Mental Health Program Officer will be responsible for contributing to activities supporting the commissioning and delivery of child and youth mental health services required for CESPHN to deliver its objectives as a PHN. This will involve contributing to the delivery of the aims of the mental health activity work plan across the commissioning cycle and monitoring the performance of commissioned services to drive the continuous improvement of service delivery.

This is a fixed-term contract until June 2026, with the possibility of a further extension.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government and non-government organisations, health providers, service users, consumers, and carers.
• Support the Team Leader in commissioning services, participating in co-design processes, and adhering to the CESPHN Commissioning Framework.
• Draft service agreements, contracts, and MOUs, and monitor performance and risk to contribute to strong governance.
• Assist in implementing activities within project management principles, supporting budget monitoring, and ensuring timely provision of deliverables.
• Secretariat support including but not limited to scheduling meetings, developing and distributing agendas and other meeting documentation, and minute taking.

Selection criteria – essential

• Tertiary qualifications in mental health or a related field.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Power BI, PowerPoint, etc.) and client information systems.
• Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication skills for managing internal and external communications.
• Ability to communicate and maintain relationships with various stakeholders including health districts, NGOs, community groups, and the public.
• Experience in supporting projects and delivering results on time and within budget.

Selection criteria - desirable

• Experience working in the youth mental health sector and an understanding of current opportunities and challenges.
• Experience in commissioning effective health services based on needs assessment and market analysis.
• Basic understanding of contract management methods and practices.
• Understanding of the primary health care environment and experience in communicating with health care professionals and consumers.

If you have any questions about the role please contact: Recruitment on [email protected] using the subject line: Mental Health Program Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

CESPHN is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Why work at Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network?

The impact you want

We all want to make a difference, and there are so many ways to do that in the healthcare sector. At Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN), purpose and impact feel a bit different from frontline roles.

Our people tell us that, here, it’s less about putting out fires and more about shaping the foundations for a healthier future. Here, you’ll engage with the big picture issues. You’ll plan ahead for the changing needs of our incredibly diverse communities. You’ll connect the pieces of the puzzle, and help improve healthcare, one step at a time. With every connection, every partnership and every strategy, you’ll enable sustainable, thriving communities, for today and tomorrow.

This kind of work takes time, effort and patience! But make no mistake - your impact at CESPHN is significant. Our size (we’re just over 100 people), our flat structure and our open culture mean you’ll never be just one of many. You’ll make a direct contribution every day, shaping, innovating and improving, and you’ll feel valued for all you achieve. Working with us should also positively impact your career. Collaborating with stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum, you’ll get incredible exposure, and develop knowledge and skills that help you grow for the future. So whether you choose to stay with us long-term, or branch out onto a new path, here at CESPHN, you’ll set yourself up for a truly impactful career.

The support you need

At CESPHN, we believe that real impact doesn’t need to come at the expense of your wellbeing. Quite the opposite. The work we do takes sustained and consistent effort, and fresh, innovative thinking. That’s why we work hard to ensure you get the right balance and support for work and life. Our people say that working here feels like a breath of fresh air. Because as much as possible, you’re supported to work in alignment with your natural rhythm and at a pace that sustains, not one that crashes and burns. So, join us and flex your start and finish times, log in from your home office up to three days per week and use your laptop’s built-in wi-fi whenever your local coffee shop or quiet park bench calls!

Join us and find a team where you’re treated like a human being. Find the space you crave and the flexibility you need to bring your best self to work.

The team you deserve

Our approach is simple: We look out for each other so that everyone can thrive. That’s why we’re working hard to create a culture where you can feel comfortable to be yourself, and where you’ll be supported to produce your best work. We’re all proudly different – different backgrounds, home lives, experiences, perspectives – and we respect and celebrate those differences. We value the unique contributions of all our team members.

We work hard, and we do it with a shared sense of purpose and a strong willingness to collaborate, connect and solve problems together. It’s not all about handing out medals here. At heart, it’s about working together and winning as a team.

Join us, and you’ll find:

• Approachable and supportive leaders who genuinely value your input and want to see you grow
• A multicultural workforce that fosters a culture of respect, empowerment, and accessibility
• Empathetic, smart, capable humans who care as much as you do about community health and each other
• The trust and respect to run with projects, to challenge and question and share new perspectives.