Community Development Worker, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services

Barwon Health; Barwon Downs; On-site; AUD 35,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff wellbeing program

Employee Assistance Program (24/7)

Salary packaging benefits

Job summary

Barwon Health is seeking a Community Development Worker in the Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services to support the Colac and Otway communities after the 2026 bushfires. You will lead community engagement, promote mental health awareness and coordinate events with a multidisciplinary team.

You will build partnerships, deliver awareness activities and media campaigns, manage referrals, and contribute to the Bushfire Recovery Program while ensuring records, risk management and compliance.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification and community experience in Health Promotion, Public Health, Community Development, Social/Behavioural Science, Youth Work, Social Work or Planning.

Responsibilities

• Engage bushfire-affected communities, build partnerships with local organisations and services, and improve access to support for vulnerable groups.
• Develop and deliver community awareness activities, events, education sessions and media campaigns that promote mental health literacy, early help-seeking and reduce stigma.
• Support the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Bushfire Recovery Program, maintain effective referrals and contribute to multidisciplinary service coordination.
• Maintain accurate records and outcome data, manage risks, participate in quality improvement and professional development, and comply with Barwon Health policies, standards and legislation.

Skills

Community engagement

Health promotion

Public health

Community development

Social work

Planning

Education

Relevant qualification in Health Promotion/Public Health/Community Development/Planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Data analysis

Job description

Community Development Worker, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services

• Build your career with Victoria’s largest regional health service.
• Join a supportive, high-performing team making a meaningful impact in the community.
• Enjoy a temporary part-time role - 48 hours per fortnight until 30.6.2027

About the role

As the Community Welfare Development Worker you will be responsible in supporting the Colac and Otway community following the 2026 bushfires by leading community engagement, mental health promotion and awareness activities. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will build strong community and service partnerships, coordinate events and communications, and improve access to mental health information and support for people and families affected by the bushfires.

Keyresponsibilities

• Engage bushfire-affected communities, build partnerships with local organisations and services, and improve access to support for vulnerable groups.
• Develop and deliver community awareness activities, events, education sessions and media campaigns that promote mental health literacy, early help-seeking and reduce stigma.
• Support the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Bushfire Recovery Program, maintain effective referrals and contribute to multidisciplinary service coordination.
• Maintain accurate records and outcome data, manage risks, participate in quality improvement and professional development, and comply with Barwon Health policies, standards and legislation.

What we’re looking for

• Relevant qualification and community experience in Health Promotion, Public Health, Community Development, Social/Behavioural Science, Youth Work, Social Work or Planning.
• Experience coordinating community programs, events and activities, including engaging and facilitating diverse community groups.
• Strong communication and community engagement skills, with the ability to tailor messages and strategies to different target groups.
• Strong digital and analytical skills, including social media, Microsoft Office, data analysis and reporting, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required.

Position Description

Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.

Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction

A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Attractive salary packaging benefits

Living expenses capped at $9,010

Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650

For more information about working at Barwon Health,please clickhere

Diversity andinclusion

Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples,people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Child safety

We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.Click herefor further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards

Additional information

If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at************@barwonhealth.org.au

All appointments are subject to:

Satisfactory Police Record Check

Immunisation Status Clearance

Working with Children Check (if applicable)