Community Engagement Worker

Make a REAL difference and become part of a vital new collaboration called Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals. The Locals is community-led in the Yarra Ranges and integrated through a partnership with ourselves at Inspiro, Wellways, Eastern Health, and Oonah.

The Locals focus is on care and support for people aged 26 years and over who are experiencing mental health concerns – including people with co-occurring alcohol and drug treatment and care needs and their family, carers, and supporters.

We are seeking an experienced, skilled and passionate Community Engagement Worker, to join the Building Community Capacity Team who are dedicated to placing the community at the forefront of the Yarra Ranges Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. 

You will ideally have a background in Community Health (or similar) and enjoy building connection and relationships with a wide range of individuals and community stakeholders.

The role is part time, (1.5 days per week, must be able to work on a Wednesday), ongoing and based mainly at our Lilydale sites plus other sites as required (Yarra Junction and Belgrave). 

Come and join our values-based, community organisation - being Friendly, ClientCentred and Local are who we are and what we’re about.

About the role

As the Community Engagement Worker you will utilise your specialised expertise and strong communication and relationship building skills, to engage with diverse stakeholders and support co-design initiatives to ensure a local focus for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in the Yarra Ranges region. 

The role will focus on collaborating with and empowering communities to enhance their ability to recognise and address psychological distress, while fostering social and emotional wellbeing.

You will also establish seamless referral pathways that connect individuals with a diverse array of health, social, and community services, ensuring they have the necessary support for their recovery journey. 

In the role you will:

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage diverse community groups and individuals, with a particular focus on vulnerable/hard to reach groups 
• Build relationships with external service providers and report on opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships that progress the Yarra Ranges Local toward its objectives 
• Conduct informational sessions and workshops to educate the community about mental health, available services, and destigmatise mental health challenges
• Collaborate with local organisations, and community centres to organise events promoting mental health awareness  
• Develop and coordinate community programs that focus on building resilience, coping skills, and fostering a sense of belonging 
• Lead the development, implementation, evaluation of Community Engagement and co-design activities 
• Facilitate engaging and inclusive community forums, workshops, consultations catering to diverse needs and abilities  
• Advocate for systemic change in mental health services based on lived experience and community needs  
• Assist in the planning, development and delivery of community-based activities including but not limited to mental health literacy sessions and health promotion and community development engagements.

About you:

• Deep understanding of mental health challenges and diverse lived experiences, leveraging lived-experience insights to inform engagement strategies  
• Strong organisational and development skills 
• Strong commitment to promoting recovery oriented and trauma informed approaches in Community Engagement  
• Passionate and experienced in building trusting relationships with individuals, families, community members and stakeholders  
• Understanding and alignment with the recommendations of Victoria’s Royal Commission into Mental Health 
• Demonstrated high level of self-awareness and an ability to operate within clearly defined boundaries of responsibility 
• Strong ability to convey warmth and openness in your communication 
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, efficiently managing multiple tasks in a dynamic environment 
• Ability to work respectfully and creatively with a CALD client population, Indigenous Peoples and the LGBTIQA+ community 
• Skilled in active listening, building rapport and facilitating productive dialogue in group settings 
• Demonstrates commitment to reconciliation 
• Work towards creating culturally aware and safe services for First Nations Community Members.

You will also have:

• Minimum Diploma Qualification in health-related field, health promotion or community development
• Minimum 2 years working in a community health or health promotion setting
• Previous experience in a Community Engagement, peer work, or similar role
• Lived or living experience as a consumer, family member or carer of someone experiencing mental illness and or substance use challenges, highly desirable
• Previous experience in supporting new initiatives requiring flexibility, adaptability and responding to changing demands and expectations
• Willingness to learn and adapt to technology platforms relevant to the position, with skills in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.

For a copy of the Position Description, please visit our Careers page  https://www.inspiro.org.au 

About Inspiro

Inspiro is a not-for-profit community health service based in the Yarra Ranges. We’ve been delivering responsive, affordable and accessible care to our community for more than 26 years.

We provide friendly and client-centred allied health, counselling, dental and health promotion services that enhance and improve the health and wellbeing of our locals in the outer east of Melbourne.

Why work with us? 

• Wellbeing is our priority - we’re committed to a culture that values and supports staff wellbeing. All our leaders are trained in mental health first aid and our wellbeing initiatives are ever evolving and promoted across our organisation. We have trained Wellbeing Connectors, supported Personal Resilience Plans, a Wellness Well for staff wellbeing driven activities, an active Health & Wellbeing Committee (just to name a few) and of course our Employee Assistance Program.
• Attractive remuneration - receive a generous salary and benefits, including NFP salary packaging, meal and entertainment and novated lease. 
• Great team culture - we promote a collaborative approach across Inspiro and understand that by embracing hybrid models of work where possible, our staff can benefit from a flexible, family-friendly, and outcome-focused culture and bring their whole selves to work.
• Ongoing professional development - we invest in workforce development and provide opportunities for our staff to grow and enhance the way we work and provide services. 
• Everyone is welcome - Inspiro encourages a diverse and inclusive culture where individual differences and intersecting identities are respected and celebrated.
• Free onsite car parking & accessible public transport - we have free onsite car parking and are also close to Lilydale and Belgrave train stations.

To Apply

Tell us why you’d like to work at Inspiro and what you can bring to this role. 

Please apply with an updated resume and cover letter. Alternatively, send your application directly to our HR team at **********@inspiro.org.au. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

We’re keen to recruit for this role ASAP – so we’ll shortlist as applications are received. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No agencies please.

We welcome Everyone. Inspiro is committed to an inclusive workforce and celebrates the value of difference and diversity. We encourage applications from people of all abilities and ages, First Nations people and people of all cultures. We also encourage people to apply who have a lived experience of mental health challenges so that our workforce can better connect with our community and drive collaborative and innovative healthcare improvements.

To be the successful candidate you must:

• meet the position requirements, 
• undertake a current Police Record Check,
• hold an Employee Working with Children Check,
• hold or be willing to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check, and
• meet the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements. 

Inspiro may request additional background checks subject to current legislation.