Please submit applications by 05.01.2024 

Position to commence late Jan/Early Feb 2024

Please address Key Selection Criteria in a separate document to your resume.

Role Description 

The Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network are currently seeking experienced and vibrant applicants to undertake work in a varied capacity to deliver outcomes for individuals and communities in respect to suicide prevention. 

The purpose of the Support Officer role is to achieve outcomes in line with the organisations Vision to create a vibrant, active and aware community united to reduce the impact and incidence of suicide. This will be achieved through alignment with our Mission to empower the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle communities through connection and information about Suicide Prevention. 

This role involves the capacity to work intermittently out of normal trading hours, including some weekend and evening events as required. Normal work hours will be 3x6hr days 9am-3:30pm Tue/Wed/Thu (Negotiable)

This role will include:

Care Coordination – As a Care Coordinator, you will work in a 1:1 capacity to understand the needs of individual clients, primarily from a Year 5 to Year 12 school age, develop Pathways Plans and provide connection to services, programs and strategies that allow opportunities for growth, development and the ability to thrive. This role will involve a case management approach, engaging with clients at our office location, at a school or in an outreach location within the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle LGA’s.

Community Engagement, Projects and Events – Plan, coordinate and facilitate community events and engagement strategies in line with the LMNSPN Action Plan. Undertake community consultation to ensure that our community members, in particular those with Lived Experience, are central to all programs and events that we develop. This may involve some afternoon & evening work with our Youth Advocacy Group to deliver health promotion, social engagement and events for young people and the wider community. 

Administrative Duties – Keep records of all tasks, planning files and program specific documents in an orderly fashion. Undertake data collection and the evaluation of programs and activities

Other Duties – Be flexible to undertake other duties related to the Strategic Plan and Action Plan of the LMSPN, as required. This may include attendance at training, events and other activities outside of the roles standard work hours. 

Academic and trade qualifications 

Essential qualifications 

• Minimum Diploma level qualification in Community Services, Health Promotion, Mental Health, Communications or other equivalent qualification 

Desirable qualifications 

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Science, Community Development, Communications or equivalent qualification relevant to mental health promotion and suicide prevention 

Work experience and skills 

• Demonstrated high level of communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including in community settings 

• Ability to plan, coordinate and facilitate case managed plans and activities 

• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, report writing and record keeping 

 Key Selection Criteria 

1. Tertiary qualifications in health or social sciences relevant to mental health, health promotion and suicide prevention, and/or substantial proven work experience in this area. (Max. 50 words) 

2. Understanding of the challenges faced by people with a lived experience of a mental health issue and those experiencing vulnerabilities. (Max. 200 words) 

3. Demonstrated ability in a case management roll to achieve outcomes in partnership with the community, government and non-government agencies.(Max. 200 words) 

4. Knowledge of local services and supports available to individuals and families. (Max. 200 words) 

5. Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable communities including LGBTQIA+, First Nations, Refugee, Low SES

6. Demonstrated experience in using written, verbal, interpersonal and technology-based communication skills to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients. (Max. 200 words) 

7. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. (Max. 100 words) 

8. A current First Aid Certificate, a Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain and a current Australian Drivers Licence. (Max. 50 words) 

Please forward any questions to CEO Bradley Dunn, [email protected] or call 0417220520