Part-time (0.6 FTE) contract until 30 June 2027, with the potential to extendBased across headspace Knox and Lilydale, on the lands of the Wurundjeri PeopleCompetitive hourly rate dependant on qualifications & experience (starting from $44.78) + 12% Super + Salary Packaging benefits up to $18,550
Join us at headspace
headspace Knox and Lilydale support young people aged 12–25 across Melbourne’s Outer East. Our multidisciplinary teams work alongside families, carers, partner agencies, and community services to deliver youth-friendly, accessible care across mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drug support, and education and employment pathways. We are a connected, values-led team, grounded in hope, access, and inclusion.
Your role, your impact
As an Access and Referral Worker, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how young people experience care from their very first contact.You are often the first voice they hear - listening deeply, assessing what’s needed, and helping guide them toward the right support at the right time. Your work helps reduce barriers, strengthen safety, and ensure young people feel respected, understood, and supported to take their next step.Key responsibilities:Complete screening and intake assessments via phone and in person, including HEADSS Assessments, Mental State Examinations and Risk Assessments  Triage intakes according to needs and service scope Make recommendations to the clinical leadership team on services pathway and external referrals  Advocate for young people when liaising with families, schools, employers, and other professionals Respond to young people who present in person, seeking support Provide Single Session Therapy as indicated Maintain accurate and timely records within electronic systems and the headspace minimum data set 
About you
You bring active listening skills and clinical judgement to conversations that matter for a variety of presentations and referrers. You have:Tertiary qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Nursing or Occupational Therapy and registration with the relevant governing body (preferred but not required) Minimum of 2 years' experience in mental health intake, triage, and risk assessment with young people A high standard of active listening and communication skills Ability to prioritise competing tasks in a fast-paced environment Experience providing Single Session Therapy A collaborative approach - comfortable working both independently and within a team
What will make you stand outExperience with mental health presentations and adolescent development Familiarity with youth mental health services and referral pathways Experience engaging young people and their families / carers in services 
What’s in it for you
At headspace-Each you’ll be supported to be your best.We provide:Supportive & inclusive culture – Work with like-minded colleagues and leaders who genuinely careBalance your way – Flexible work arrangements to help you juggle work and life commitmentsBoost your take-home pay – Not-for-Profit Salary Packaging (up to $15,900 tax-free per year) plus an extra $2,650 tax-free for meals and entertainmentProfessional development & training – Access mentoring, supervision, leadership pathways, and discipline-specific learningEndless career opportunities – With over 200 programs across QLD, NSW, TAS, ACT, and VIC, there are plenty of pathways to progressMore leave when you need it – 4 or 5 weeks annual leave (dependent upon award or agreement coverage),, sick/carer’s leave, family & domestic violence leave, and the option to purchase extra leaveFree, confidential support – Our Employee Assistance Program is available for you and your family
