Are you ready to make a difference? South West Healthcare (SWH) invites you to join our dynamic Mental Health Referral Services, Centralised Triage team. We are looking for a passionate and skilled professional to be the frontline of mental health care.

This Centralised Triage position provides mental health screening assessments and directs care to the most appropriate team for assessment and treatment or provides warm referral to an appropriate provider if mental health services are not best placed to meet the need.

Position overview

• Part-time, 64 hours per fortnight, On-going position.
• Working across a 24/7 roster
• Warrnambool Campus
• Registered Psychiatric Nurse Grade 3, Social Worker/Occupational Therapist/Psychologist Grade 2
• Salary Range: $88,030 -$112,091 pro rata, plus superannuation and applicable penalties

These positions are eligible for up an incentive payment of up to $20,000, which can be used for rent, childcare, relocation costs and more, as part of the new workforce and incentive grants program administered by Rural Agency Workforce Victoria (RWAV).

Why This Role is Exciting:

• Impact Lives Daily: Be the first point of contact, providing essential recovery - orientated and trauma - informed mental health screenings and assessments that set the stage for transformative care.
• Diverse Responsibilities: Engage in a wide range of critical tasks, from allocating follow-up care and making urgent contacts to facilitating bed management for acute admissions.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work alongside a dedicated team of Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Registered Psychiatric Nurses, ensuring seamless communication and comprehensive care.
• Professional Growth: Enhance your skills in a supportive environment that values innovation and excellence in mental health services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Comprehensive Mental Health Screening: Conduct developmentally appropriate mental health assessments and obtain necessary collateral information.
• Efficient Triage Functions: Allocate follow-up care based on Victorian Mental Health Triage Response categories, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
• Urgent Case Handling: Make direct contact with duty workers for urgent cases and consumers awaiting contact in the Emergency Department.
• Detailed Documentation: Maintain a thorough screening register, including history of referrals, current legal status, risk assessments, and more.
• Communication and Coordination: Clearly communicate outcomes of referrals, manage bed allocations, and provide information on support agencies for ineligible referrals.
• Quality Assurance: Escalate issues of concern, ensure comprehensive documentation, and meet DHHS reporting requirements.

What You Bring:

• Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, or Registered Nursing.
• Experience: Expertise in mental health clinical services, with preferred experience in a triage role.
• Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication, proficiency in multidisciplinary teamwork, and a deep understanding of relevant legislation and practices.
• Registration: Eligibility for AASW membership for Social Workers and AHPRA registration for Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses, or Psychologists.

Join South West Healthcare and Be Part of Something Meaningful!

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• Ongoing clinical supervision
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership program;
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by Wednesday 19 March 2025. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise

Agreement 2020-2024 and Medical Scientist, Pharmacist and Psychologist Victorian Public Sector (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check
• Current Immunisation status

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au