Would you like work for a values driven NFP that can offer you:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities to learn, develop and grow whilst part of the ACSO family
• Wellbeing initiatives
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives

Is This You?

• 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?
• Seeking flexibility to work three or five days a week?

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

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 programs

The Mental Health Intake and Recovery Worker is the initial point of contact for clients and their carers experiencing psychological stress brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. They will work across two key areas, Partners in Wellbeing and Mental Health Access Project.

The Partners in Wellbeing program is a time limited initiative which will be delivered across Victoria via telephone and video technology. The MHIAR Worker will help clients and their carers experiencing psychosocial distress due to the COVID-19 physical distancing and isolation measures, including those who are required to self-isolate. This includes people with lived experience of mental illness, as well as those experiencing poor psychosocial health for the first time due to the impacts of COVID-19. The psychosocial supports and wellbeing support will be targeted to people who do not currently receive state, Commonwealth or NDIS funded psychosocial supports and require wellbeing checks and support. Priority will be given people at high risk of relapse in their mental health condition or psychological state to prevent avoidable relapse, ED presentations and hospital admission and risk of self-harm or suicide.

The NDIS Mental Health Access Project supports individuals with a severe mental illness and substantial, enduring psychosocial disability to apply for the NDIS. 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) and assist eligible clients to compile an Access Request 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.

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
• Capacity to work a minimum of 3 days per week
• 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.

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time or part time (minimum 3 days per week), fixed term position available until 30 June 2023
• Traralgon, Ballarat and Bendigo locations and working from home hybrid working available!
• $77,584 base salary + 10.5% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks)
• 5% annual leave loading
• Learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program
• Flexible working arrangements
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or medical procedures related to gender transition.

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 and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

Please also include in your cover letter:

• Your preferred program (Mental Health Access Project or Partners in Wellbeing)
• Your preference for full time or part time

To learn more about this position, please contact Jenny Svoboda, Program Manager – Intake Services, on 0417 101 536.

Please note, ACSO is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe and minimises risk to the health and wellbeing of all employees, clients, contractors, volunteers and representatives. ACSO’s new employees will be required to be double vaccinated against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

Please note, as ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

Applications close 20 October 2022

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.

The Australian Community Support Organisation 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.