Access & Referral Worker - headspace
- Part-time (0.6 FTE) contract until 30 June 2026, with the potential to extend
- Based across headspace Knox and Lilydale, on the lands of the Wurundjeri People
- Salary dependant on qualifications & experience + 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:
- Manage intake, screening, and triage via phone and in person, including Mental State Examinations and risk assessments where appropriate
- Coordinate access to care by booking appointments and supporting smooth referral pathways
- Build care connections by linking young people to internal headspace services and external youth services across the Outer East
- Advocate for young people when liaising with families, schools, employers, and other professionals
- Provide walk-in assessments and Single Session Therapy when suitable
- Maintain accurate and timely records within electronic medical systems and the headspace minimum data set
- Contribute to community engagement activities such as presentations, workshops, and events (with occasional after-hours or weekend work)
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, including youth workers, social workers, GPs, and psychologists
About you
You bring steadiness, warmth, and clinical judgment to conversations that matter—especially when someone may be distressed, uncertain, or unsure what they need yet.
You have:
- Tertiary qualifications in the social sciences (youth work, counselling, psychology, social work, occupational therapy or related field) and registration with the relevant governing body (preferred but not required)
- 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
- Availability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings/weekends when required
- Current driver’s licence
What will make you stand out
- Familiarity with youth mental health services and referral pathways
- Experience in multidisciplinary work environments
- Familiarity with electronic medical records
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 care
- Balance your way – Flexible work arrangements to help you juggle work and life commitments
- Boost 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 entertainment
- Professional development & training – Access mentoring, supervision, leadership pathways, and discipline-specific learning
- Endless career opportunities – With over 200 programs across QLD, NSW, TAS, ACT, and VIC, there are plenty of pathways to progress
- More leave when you need it – 5 weeks annual leave, sick/carer’s leave, family & domestic violence leave, and the option to purchase extra leave
- Free, confidential support – Our Employee Assistance Program is available for you and your family
Additional Information
To view the full Position Description, click here or visit each.com.au, go to ‘Work With Us’ - ‘Careers’ - ‘Open Roles’ and search for this position.
For more information or a confidential conversation, contact Candice Rosslee, Team Leader, at Candice.Rosslee@headspaceknox.com.au or 9735 7900
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Interviews may take place during the advertising period—so don't miss out and apply today!
Next Steps in the Hiring Process
Learn more about next steps, check out our Hiring Process Guide.
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