ABOUT SEMPHN

At South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), we are leaders, facilitators and influencers towards the shared goal of better primary health care. We are funded by the Australian Government to help people in South East Melbourne get the health care they need, when and where they need it.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Innovation Directorate leads change in the areas of commissioning Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD), and Suicide Prevention services and projects across the region enabling SEMPHN to both increase access to these services and shape the system that delivers those services. This team provides the essential capacity in service design, including co-design and contract management necessary for strategic, innovative and efficient commissioning activities.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Innovation Directorate leads change in the areas of commissioning services across the region enabling SEMPHN to both increase access to primary health care services and shape the system that delivers those services. This team provides the essential capacity in service design, including co-design and contract management necessary for intelligent and efficient commissioning activities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The SEMPHN funded Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Services is the point of entry for consumers. The team facilitates referrals for existing clients that need to step up or down into different parts of the stepped care model according to their needs. This will be achieved by working on a client level and a systems level to ensure effective and appropriate referrals are received for a specific target group.

You will provide day to day clinical oversight at the entry point into the SEMPHN Access and Referral services across the SEMPHN region. In addition, you will ensure the delivery of timely, accessible and high-quality intake functions, including the planning and evaluation of relevant Access & Referral initiatives. A key component to this role is to participate in and assist with the implementation of the National Guidance of Initial Assessment and Referral framework.

This role is full-time and for a fixed term contract of 12 months.

Your responsibilities will be as follow; but not limited to:

• Provide clinical oversight of incoming referrals and broader service navigation to referrers and consumers.
• Act as a first point of contact and provide excellent customer service for all incoming referrals and enquiries, via a referral form or telephone.
• Assist service providers with knowledge on service availability as required.
• Liaise with GPs, referrers and funded providers to ensure referrals are assessed and allocated to the right service that meets the consumer’s presenting level of care.
• Actively lead in assisting ineligible clients access services as needed and identify and track themes raised by ineligible referrals.
• Liaise with GPs, other health professionals, agencies and organisations involved in the program as required and ensure that feedback is professional and provided within a reasonable timeframe.
• Troubleshoot with and escalate clinical issues or presenting risks/concerns to the line Manager where additional assistance / guidance is indicated.
• Assist GPs, Allied Health Providers and the general public with information to navigate the service system and mental health/AOD and psychosocial programs.
• Participation in the planning, evaluation and design of Access & Referral functions.

ABOUT YOU

The successful applicant will have relevant experience with clinical/tertiary qualifications AND current registration with a relevant professional registration body (in fields such as psychology, social work, mental health nursing or occupational therapy), relevant clinical experience in primary care, tertiary or the community sector, (ideally working in the mental health industry) as well as a demonstrated understanding of the mental health, psychosocial and AOD service systems.

Experience working in Youth Mental Health is desirable. You will also possess strong communication, problem solving ability with stakeholder engagement, relationship building, influencing and negotiation skills. To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate the following:

• Significant relevant clinical experience in primary care, tertiary or the community sector, ideally in the mental health field.
• Knowledge of referral pathways, eligibility criteria for mental health psychosocial services and knowledge of digital health technology.
• Demonstrated understanding of the mental health, psychosocial and AOD service systems and relevant experience working with these consumer cohorts including consumers with severe and persistent mental health issues.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, decision making and advocacy in order to prioritise and coordinate support for clients, including those with complex needs.
• Demonstrated experience in influencing, negotiating and engaging positively with a diverse range and large volume of stakeholders to achieve improved outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage escalated clinical risks and enquiries and provide guidance and support as required.
• Professional phone manner and exemplary customer service skills.
• Extensive experience in the use of Client Management Systems.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite.

How To Apply

For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact: [email protected], using the subject line: Access & Referral Clinician enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience.

Previous applicants need not re-apply

A position description is also attached.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH SEMPHN

• Generous salary packaging and leave entitlements
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for growth and development
• A friendly and highly supportive work environment

We thank you for your interest in the role and our organisation, however only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted.

A National Police Check will be required, and a Working with Children Check may be required in accordance with government funding requirements.

All employees of SEMPHN must be permanent residents of Australia or hold a valid employment visa.

SEMPHN is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk consistent with the organisation’s obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). Therefore, there is a requirement that all SEMPHN employees be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations in order to undertake duties outside of their homes (unless an exemption applies). Failure to comply with this condition of employment will impact your eligibility for employment with the organisation.

SEMPHN promotes a workplace that values fairness, respect and social and cultural diversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.