Mental Health Intake & Triage Clinician

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN (CESPHN) is a not-for-profit regionally based primary health care organisation. Our region stretches from Strathfield to Sutherland, as far east as Bondi, and also includes Lord Howe Island. Our vision is better health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in our region. We work at the system level to improve the integration of care. We work at the service level to improve practice in primary health care and commission local health and wellbeing services that meet local needs.

About this job 

• Work from Office initially with hybrid working arrangements
• Office based in Mascot (close to public transport) 
• Purpose driven organisation 
• Fixed term contract until June 2025

The Centralised Intake and Triage Service uses the National Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Guidelines set out by the Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Health and Aged Care (ADoHAC) and a step care approach to appropriately screen, assess and identify clinical services for the referred individual to the Psychological Support Services (PSS) Mental Health programme commissioned by CESPHN.  

The role of the Mental Health Intake and Triage Clinician is to manage the administration of intake referrals and triage those referrals, ensure all referrals are triaged according to program guidelines and then direct referrals to commission service providers. This role also involves supporting the Head to Health phone service by having a good understanding of the local services and providing referral options to the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Phone Service clinicians. Please note this role has minimal client contact. 

Key Responsibilities

• Administer eligibility criteria screening, conduct thorough assessment of suitability of referrals to the relevant programmes and seek additional information, when necessary, allocate referrals to the most suitable provider and ensure all relevant information is recorded accurately in the Client Information Management System (CIMS).
• As the initial contact for information and referral to CESPHN commissioned programs and services, maintain a high level of interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, including excellent phone manner
• Provide clear, accurate and relevant resources, and program information to individuals, staff and external stakeholders
• Liaise with the referrer, to obtain relevant clinical information and maintain clinical notes
• Check client management system (CIMS), review referrals awaiting approval for triage and allocate within allocated timeframes.

Selection criteria – essential

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Nursing, Social Work or Occupational Therapy. 
• Registered or working towards registration with AHPRA or eligible for membership with equivalent professional body. 
• Minimum two years’ experience in intake, triage, and assessment of Mental Health referrals 
• Skills and competence at completing:  

a. Bio-psycho-social assessments of individuals experiencing or at risk of     developing mental disorders and their families. 

b. Demonstrated experience in crisis assessment. 

• High level of interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, including excellent phone manner. 
• Ability to work independently and in a team 
• Culturally sensitive practice - including experience working with clients from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, multicultural communities, and working with interpreters. 
• Demonstrated ability to comply with protocols in relation to staff safety, maintaining client clinical records, reporting, and following clear lines in relation to clinical accountability. 
• Computer literacy skills and experience in using CIMS, particularly rediCASE. 

Selection criteria - desirable

• Experience working with relevant community agencies  
• Knowledge of Primary Health networks 
• Knowledge of primary care Mental Health programs such as PSS

If you have any questions about the role please contact: Recruitment on ***********@cesphn.com.au.

CESPHN is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.