Access & Referral Specialist – Mental Health & AOD

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 (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.