Community Connections Officer

For all people in Australia living with mental health and wellbeing challenges to live a life that is meaningful to them.

Position details

• Casual contract
• SCHADS Level 4: $53.90 - $58.00 per hour (includes casual loading)
• Salary packaging arrangements providing tax benefits available for living and entertainment expenses increasing your take home income where part of your wage is paid tax free each pay, savings thousands in tax each year
• Location is based in Edwardtsown however requires travel across SA (around country SA)

About the program

Medicare Mental Health phone service (HtH IAR Service), is funded by Country SA Primary Health Network (CSAPHN). The MMHps is an accessible and welcoming central intake and assessment service that will connect people to the most appropriate services that meet their identified needs. This may include a referral to a MMH, other available local PHN-commissioned services, jurisdictional services, online or private services.

This is primarily a phone-based service, taking direct incoming referral calls through an established 1800 mental health intake number. Utilising the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR- DST) to support a nationally consistent evidence-informed initial assessment and referral process, the team is made up of clinical and non-clinical staff who receive enquiries and support people to reach the appropriate service. Choice and agency for consumers will be prioritised when connecting people to services.

About your new role

The community Connections Officer is part of a multidisciplinary mental health team, deliering high quality mental health intake, assessment, triage and referral services for individuals in the community who experience mental health issues and are seeking support. The priority of the MMHps is to connect people seamlessly to the most appropriate local service to meet their identified needs, consistent with the 'stepped care' approach.

The Community Connections Officer will support the Clinical Services Manager by actively identifying, engaging, and building strong relationships with mental health specific organisations and groups within the Adelaide Metropolitan area. Supporting the establishment of key partnerships, an overarching service directory, community engagement and collaborative development opportunities within the community.

The Community Connections Officer will additionally be a part of providing initial identification and assessment of individuals' needs who make direct contact with the MMHps using the Commonwealth's Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST). Working closely with the clinical team to determine the level of clinical oversight, and key decisions required in matching people with the appropriate support service.

What you will bring to the role

• Minimum of certificate IV in Mental Health/ Community Services/ Youth Work/ Diploma in Counselling (or equivalent) or
• Formal tertiary qualification in a related field and/or equivalent experience working in a relevant setting.
• Experience working with community groups and organisations, particularly in the mental health sector.
• Well-developed and proven written and verbal skills, interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills
• Highly developed consultation and interpersonal skills including ability to build influential and productive working relationships with stakeholders.
• Proven ability to liaise effectively with people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and coordinating activities across a broad range of contemporary community engagement methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level Microsoft skills
• Knowledge of the mental health and/or community services sector in Australia

What will Neami offer in return?

• Professional development through regular practice development sessions and coaching with your supervisor
• Ongoing extensive in-house Learning and Development programs to encourage learning and skill-building
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through TELUS - providing holistic health and wellness supports and resources to Neami staff and their immediate family

What the role requires

• Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (police check) - disclosable outcomes considered
• Current Working with Children Check - required before commencement of work
• Current Australian drivers licence and access to a car
• Australian working rights

How to apply

The terms and conditions of the role are listed in the attached position description (please select paperclip icon).
To apply for this position, please:

• Click the 'Apply' button where you will need to create a username and password
• Upload your resume and cover letter

When applying for this position, you are asked to tell us about your previous work experience, your suitabillity for this role and your answers to any target questions (where asked). Please include in your application how you would prefer to be contacted (whether via email, text or phone call).

If you are excited about this role, but only meet some of the requirements, we encourage you to call or email us to talk about this opportunity. We're passionate about creating opportunities and supporting professional development.

If your application is shortlisted:

• We may invite you to have an informal phone conversation to discuss the role and get to know more about your experience and interest and answer your questions
• We may inviteyou to an interview (which may be in person or conducted online via Microsoft Teams) with up to three panel members from Neami

If you have any further questions regarding this role which are not addressed in the job advertisement or position description, or if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact:

Diana Calic, Clinical Services Manager: [email protected]

If you have any technical issues when applying for this role, please email [email protected] for assistance. Note: applications will not be accepted at this email address.

Applications Close: Thursday 24 July 2025

About Neami National

We're Neami. We're big believers in everyone having the opportunity to live afull life. We support people to achieve wellbeing and mental health outcomes that matter to them. We provide services across Australia for mental health and wellbeing, housing and homelessness and suicide prevention.

For some people, this means having a stronger sense of self. For others, it may mean nurturing relationships or building the confidence to tackle tomorrow. We support people to improve their quality of life in a way that suits them.

We're proud to support 34,000+ people living with mental health challenges each year across Australia and offer services over 40 different Indigenous lands.

Values

Together with our vision and purpose, our values define who we are and guide the way we operate. They are fundamental to our identity, and we align all our actions with them.

• Connecting
• Collaborating
• Learning
• Belonging

Be Yourself - Neami values and celebrates diversity including multidisciplinary teams and the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that is accessible, inclusive and reflects the community in which we live.

Neami is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We commit to providing accessible and safe physical and online environments for all children and young people. Click Here for full statement.