Is this you?

• Looking to join and impactful NFP who truly care about their people?
• 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?

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

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time, fixed term position available until 30 June 2026
• Work close to home in one of our ACSO hubs (Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, Warrnambool, Melbourne)
• $88,109.84 -$92,733.68 base salary (pro rata for the contract period) + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Learning and development opportunities - In house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Flexible working arrangements - includes options for an accrued day off or compressed hours, and the opportunity to work from home on a hybrid model (2 days onsite required), if desired
• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs
• Wellbeing initiatives - such as free flu vaccines, wellbeing and professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation

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 program

The Mental Health Intake, Assessment and Recovery Worker is the initial point of contact for clients and their carers experiencing psychological stress brought about by the Covid19 pandemic. They will work across the Mental Health Access Project.

The NDIS Access Project supports individuals with a severe mental illness and substantial, enduring psychosocial disability, who may be eligible for the NDIS, to apply for the scheme. The Mental Health Intake Assessment and Recovery (MHIAR) Worker is the initial point of contact for clients and their carers accessing the NDIS Access Project for Regional Victoria. The MHIAR Worker will screen and assess clients over the phone, and in person, for suitability and eligibility to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in their catchment areas and assist eligible clients to apply for the NDIS. They will also advise and arrange appropriate wrap-around services, and provide information sessions and groups, for consumers, family/carers, and public service providers.

To learn more about this program, check out the program summary under the 'job attachments' tab on our careers portal.

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
• 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.

ACSO Information Night

If you're thinking about joining us at ACSO, your timing couldn't be better! We are hosting a virtual organisation-wide information night on Thursday 23 October, from 5:30pm - 7:300pm.

There will be representatives from all our divisions, including Mental Health Intake, there to speak to the work we do, and our current vacancies. This will be a great opportunity to come along and learn more about ACSO and ask any questions you have directly to leaders.

Tickets are free and can be registered via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/acso-information-night-tickets-1727514736079?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

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 Harry Constantinou, Team Leader on 0447 983 872

Applications close Tuesday 14 October 2025.

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.

ACSO recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change.

ACSO 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.