Community Partnerships Officer - Distress Brief Support

Be part of something new - help shape an innovative service reducing distress and saving lives across our communities.

Remuneration: $39.01 - $67.15 per hour + super
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until June 2027
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 3, Occupational Therapist Level 3, Social Worker Level 3, Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist
Location: Tamworth Community Health Service
Hours Per Week: 16
Requisition ID: REQ603380
Applications Close: Monday, 13th October 2025


An exciting opportunity exists for a motivated and community-focused individual to join the newly established Distress Brief Support project within Hunter New England Local Health District. This innovative initiative is being developed in partnership with HNELHD, the Hunter New England Primary Health Network (PHN) and the NSW Ministry of Health, and aims to reduce psychological distress and improve suicide prevention outcomes across the region.

The position will be based within the Mental Health portfolio, working closely with the Suicide Prevention & System Improvement team and the Community Partnerships team.

About the team:
You will join a supportive and forward-thinking group of professionals who are committed to early intervention, collaboration, and community-led mental health improvement. The team culture is:

• Inclusive and relationship-focused
• Supportive and team-oriented
• Innovative and solutions-driven

There is a strong emphasis on partnership, lived experience, and working alongside community to create better outcomes.

About the role:
As this is a new service, the role offers the opportunity to shape and influence the development of the Distress Brief Support model in the HNE region.

A typical week may include:

• Engaging with a range of partner organisations, services and communities
• Supporting suicide prevention activities and system improvement initiatives
• Building and coordinating local partnerships and referral pathways
• Identifying gaps, needs and opportunities within the service system
• Supporting the design and implementation of community-focused solutions

This is a dynamic role ideally suited to someone comfortable working in new environments and contributing to the establishment of a new service.

About you:
We are looking for someone who:

• Can confidently work in evolving or new service environments
• Is able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Communicates effectively across sectors and communities
• Can think creatively and collaboratively to address challenges
• Understands the opportunities and complexities of starting a new initiative

Support and development:
You will be well supported through:

• Structured orientation and role onboarding

• Ongoing access to ongoing education relating to project planning, community engagement and stakeholder management

   

• Regular connection with the Suicide Prevention & System Improvement and Community Partnerships teams
• Professional development opportunities relevant to the role

Requirements:

• Must hold a qualification in one of the following: Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental Health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances.

What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

 

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.