Access and Referral Officer

South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network Ltd; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Hybrid work arrangements

10 weeks parental leave

Carers leave days

Employee Assistance Program

Learning and development opportunities

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) is seeking an Access and Referral Officer to help people access mental health, AOD and psychosocial supports. The role includes clinical oversight, referral intake and coordination with GPs and providers.

The position is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Heatherton, VIC with flexible work-from-home options (2 days per week). We value collaboration, improvement and person-centred care.

Qualifications

• Relevant clinical qualifications and experience relevant to the role.
• Ability to assess referrals, identify risks and determine next steps within your scope of practice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with GPs, health professionals, consumers and service providers.
• Sound understanding of mental health, AOD, psychosocial supports and referral pathways.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail when managing referrals and records.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing service demands and escalation needs.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and person-centred care.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical oversight of incoming referrals, ensuring consumers connect with services that meet their needs.
• Act as a first point of contact for referrals and enquiries, offering responsive support to consumers, GPs and providers.
• Coordinate with health professionals and providers to support referrals and transitions between services.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services to help navigate the stepped care system.
• Support ineligible clients to access alternative services and identify improvement opportunities.
• Ensure referral information and records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Identify and escalate clinical risks with guidance from the line manager.
• Contribute to planning, evaluation and improvements of referral processes.
• Participate in projects and initiatives, including the National Guidance of Initial Assessment and Referral framework.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to deliver safe, timely and high-quality service.

Skills

Clinical qualifications

Referral assessment

Communication skills

Mental health knowledge

Organisational skills

Stakeholder liaison

Continuous improvement

Education

Relevant clinical qualifications

Job description

South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network – Heatherton VIC

12-month fixed-term contract | Maternity leave cover
Location: Heatherton, VIC
Flexible working: Work from home 2 days per week.

Are you ready to start your next adventure in a role where you can make a real difference? We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated professional to join SEMPHN as our newest Access and Referral Officer!

Who We Are

At South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), we’re a not-for-profit working to create a healthier future. From GPs and hospitals to aged care and pharmacies, we connect the dots so people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

We support over 1.6 million people across our region, with a focus on aged care, mental health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, digital health, and workforce development.

What You’ll Do

As an Access and Referral Officer, you’ll play a key role in helping people access the right mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD), and psychosocial support services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide clinical oversight of incoming referrals, ensuring consumers are connected with services that best meet their needs.
• Act as a first point of contact for referrals and enquiries, delivering responsive and professional support to consumers, GPs, referrers and service providers.
• Coordinate with health professionals and commissioned providers to support appropriate referrals and transitions between services.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services and support agencies to help people navigate the stepped care system.
• Support ineligible clients to access alternative services and identify trends to inform improvements to referral pathways.
• Ensure referral information and client records are accurate, complete and maintained appropriately.
• Identify and elevate clinical risks and concerns, seeking guidance from the line manager when required.
• Contribute to the planning, evaluation and continuous improvement of Access and Referral processes and clinical care pathways.
• Participate in projects, working groups and initiatives, including the implementation of the National Guidance of Initial Assessment and Referral framework.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to support safe, timely and high-quality service delivery.

About You

You’re a collaborative and proactive professional who is passionate about helping people access the right care and support. You bring sound clinical judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to navigate complex service systems.

You will also bring:

• Relevant clinical qualifications and experience appropriate to the position.
• The ability to assess referrals, identify potential risks and determine appropriate next steps within your scope of practice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to liaise with GPs, health professionals, consumers and service providers.
• A sound understanding of mental health, alcohol and other drug services, psychosocial supports and referral pathways.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing referrals and maintaining accurate records.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, respond to changing service demands and escalation concerns appropriately.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, collaborative practice and delivering safe, accessible and person-centred care.

Why You’ll Love It Here

We offer a supportive and flexible workplace with benefits including:

• Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• 10 weeks paid parental leave.
• Five additional paid carers leave days.
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Annual health and wellbeing initiatives.

SEMPHN operates in a dynamic environment where priorities evolve in response to community needs and changes across the health system. We’re looking for people who are adaptable, collaborative and passionate about making a difference.

Applications close: Friday, 30 October 2026.

SEMPHN is managing this recruitment directly and is not accepting recruitment agency submissions.

For further information or to request a copy of the Position Description, please contact **@semphn.org.au.

To learn more about SEMPHN, visit www.semphn.org.au.

At SEMPHN, we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply — you may be exactly who we’re looking for.