About Us Access Health and Community (AccessHC) is a leading not-for-profit healthcare provider with over 150 years of experience delivering inclusive, person-centered care across Melbourne’s inner and outer east and northeast. With 500+ staff and 200 volunteers across 17 locations, we offer a wide range of integrated services to support diverse communities. Following our May 2025 merger with Inspiro, we’ve expanded our reach into the Yarra Ranges and strengthened our commitment to accessible, high-quality community health. We value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), uphold strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and respect the rights of First Nations peoples as we continue to build healthier lives through compassion, collaboration, and community-led care.The opportunity This is an exciting opportunity to join our thriving community health care organisation and work within a truly supportive value-based culture and engaged workforce at Access Health and Community. We are seeking a passionate Mental Health and AOD Intake Clinician to join our enthusiastic and motivated highly skilled multi-disciplinary Mental Health & AOD services team. The Mental Health and AOD Intake Clinician will be an important part of the AOD and Mental Health teams. About the roleThe Mental Health and AOD Intake Clinician is a key role within the multidisciplinary Mental Health and AOD teams, providing the first point of contact, engagement and triage for community seeking to access mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services. The Mental Health and AOD Intake Clinician will engage and support clients to access a variety of mental health and/or AOD services within AccessHC, and make external referrals where required. The work will include connecting and engaging with people reaching out for information and support, providing Support First conversational assessments, completing assessment documentation (including IAR and AOD Comprehensive Assessment), evaluating risk, providing short term counselling, booking appointments with MH&AOD clinicians as well as providing clients with relevant information and referral pathways What you will be doingBe the first point of contact for community and provide connect and engage support with clients (over the phone or face-to-face) to explore their mental health and AOD needsConduct Support First appointments via a conversational assessment or single session modelRegister all incoming mental health and AOD referrals, including Medication Support and Recovery Service (MSRS), Stepped Care (Steps), community health counselling, NDIS, and fee-for-service referralsBook Support First appointments for other Mental Health and AOD cliniciansComplete comprehensive clinical assessments post Support First appointments for AOD and Mental healthProvide short term counselling (either over the phone or face-to-face)Review for risk and where appropriate conduct a clinical risk assessment (including suicide risk assessments) and create safety plansWorking with the clients provide warm referrals where appropriateAssist clients and families to navigate the service systems using step up/step down approaches and service coordinationInform clients, families and others of potential referral pathways to support clients and key stakeholdersUnderstand and apply knowledge areas including funding sources, referral pathways and relevant legislation such as child safety, family violence, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, guardianship and administration, and elder abuseActively work to reduce barriers for the community and for hardly reached communities to access mental health and AOD services What you will bring Key Selection Criteria Relevant tertiary qualifications in mental health, alcohol and other drugs, social work, psychology or other relevant disciplineDemonstrated experience working in alcohol and other drugs, mental health, community or similar health services (minimum two years’ experience)Demonstrated experience and skill in clinical risk assessment and managementExcellent understanding of the mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services and referral pathways, with particular focus on the Eastern Metro RegionThe ability to produce and maintain high level clinical documents, reports and databases Compliance Requirements:National Police Check, Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening CheckEvidence of the right to work in Australia and a valid Driver’s Licence.A criminal history check is required for all roles but having a criminal history does not automatically exclude you from employment. All applications are reviewed confidentially on a case-by-case basis.Attributes we value Possess a warm, empathic and professional therapeutic styleAbility to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team Ability to work autonomously, make decisions, organize workloads, set priorities, and meet deadlinesProficiency with electronic health record systems (such as TrakCare) and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) Willingness to expand your current skillset to meet the needs of the service Demonstrated ability to work creatively and respectfully with people from a diverse range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including LGBTIQA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, and First Nation communitiesExcellent organisational, time management and problem-solving skills Demonstrated experience in clinical risk assessment and management (including suicide risk assessment) Ability to work within a dual-diagnosis framework Access Health and Community Culture & BenefitsAt Access Health and Community, we offer more than just a fulfilling career: - we provide an environment where you can thrive in a culture of collaboration and support. Our team members share a common commitment and passion to make a positive impact, and we believe that this shared ethos creates a range of benefits for all who work with us. From opportunities for personal and professional growth to a sense of purpose and belonging, our culture promotes an environment of success and fulfilment. Come join us and experience the rewards of a career where you truly make a difference.The position encompasses an extensive range of benefits that are on offer:A truly supportive and valued based culture and engaged workforceA culture of trust and empowerment for people to grow and thriveCommitment to a work-life balance with flexible working conditionsAn authentic focus on staff wellbeing and health- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)A commitment to ongoing professional Development and career growthPaid parental leave and opportunity to purchase additional leaveAnnual leave LoadingA truly supportive and valued based culture and engaged workforceA culture of trust and empowerment for people to grow and thriveCommitment to a work-life balance with flexible working conditionsGenerous salary packaging opportunities (up to $15,990 per annum + $2,650 meals/ entertainment expenses)A commitment to ongoing professional development and career growthRead about our culture and benefits: https://accesshc.org.au/culture-and-benefitsApply NowIf this position resonates with you and you are passionate about working alongside a collaborative and supportive team, please forward your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. Please refer to the position description on our website for the key selection criteria information: https://accesshc.org.au/careers/ Please reach out to for further information and/or the opportunity to discuss this role. Please contact Mental Health Manager Emma Tyers – Emma.Tyers@accesshc.org.au Apply now so you don’t miss this opportunity. We will be assessing applications as they are submitted Applications close date: Tuesday, January 6th, 2026Access Health and Community is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive working environment that embraces and values all people, regardless of cultural background, age, gender identity, sexuality or lived and living experience. We value the diversity and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and are committed to delivering on our vision for reconciliation through our recruitment and employment practices. Access is required to undertake compliance checks; however, a record of criminal history does not preclude applicants from applying for suitable positions. All applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and managed in a confidential and practical manner. Position Description AUDHawthorn3122