Looking for a lifestyle change? Join a workplace that’s both friendly and welcoming! Located in the beautiful Great South Coast, South West Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and psychiatric services. Serving over 110,000 residents, we provide 282 beds and a wide array of primary and community services.
Warrnambool features excellent sports facilities, educational opportunities from preschool to university, and a vibrant social and cultural scene. Explore the award-winning foreshore promenade—a 5.7km coastal path with stunning views stretching from the breakwater to the Hopkins River mouth.
About the role
Are you ready to make a real difference in your community? South West Healthcare (SWH) is seeking a passionate and skilled professional to join our dynamic Mental Health Referral Services – Centralised Triage team.
In this frontline role, you will play a critical part in the mental health care journey by conducting mental health screening assessments and directing individuals to the most appropriate team for further assessment and treatment. Where specialist mental health services are not the best fit, you'll also provide warm referrals to more suitable providers, ensuring every person receives the right care at the right time.
Position overview
- Employment Type: Full time or Part time positions available, On going position
- Location: Warrnambool Campus
- Classification: Registered Psychiatric Nurse Grade 4, Social Worker/Occupational Therapist/Psychologist Grade 3
Salary Range
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse Grade 3: $100,932.00 - $112,091.20 pro rata, plus superannuation
- Occupational Therapist Grade 2: $88,030.80 - $101,197.20 pro rata, plus superannuation
- Social Worker Grade 2: $88,030.80 - $101,197.20 pro rata, plus superannuation
- Psychologist Grade 2: $94,478.80 - $106,906.80 pro rata, plus superannuation
Why This Role is Exciting:
- Impact Lives Daily: Be the first point of contact, providing essential recovery – orientated and trauma – informed mental health screenings and assessments that set the stage for transformative care.
- Diverse Responsibilities: Engage in a wide range of critical tasks, from allocating follow-up care and making urgent contacts to facilitating bed management for acute admissions.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Work alongside a dedicated team of Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Registered Psychiatric Nurses, ensuring seamless communication and comprehensive care.
- Professional Growth: Enhance your skills in a supportive environment that values innovation and excellence in mental health services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Comprehensive Mental Health Screening: Conduct developmentally appropriate mental health assessments and obtain necessary collateral information.
- Efficient Triage Functions: Allocate follow-up care based on Victorian Mental Health Triage Response categories, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
- Urgent Case Handling: Make direct contact with duty workers for urgent cases and consumers awaiting contact in the Emergency Department.
- Detailed Documentation: Maintain a thorough screening register, including history of referrals, current legal status, risk assessments, and more.
- Communication and Coordination: Clearly communicate outcomes of referrals, manage bed allocations, and provide information on support agencies for ineligible referrals.
- Quality Assurance: Escalate issues of concern, ensure comprehensive documentation, and meet DHHS reporting requirements.
What you bring
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, or Registered Nursing.
- Experience: Expertise in mental health clinical services, with preferred experience in a triage role.
- Skills: Exceptional verbal and written
communication, proficiency in multidisciplinary teamwork, and a deep understanding of relevant legislation and practices.
- Registration: Eligibility for AASW membership for Social Workers and AHPRA registration for Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses, or Psychologists.
What we offer
You will enjoy benefits such as:
- Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
- Internal and external professional development opportunities
- Ongoing clinical supervision
- A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs
- Excellent terms and conditions of employment
Who we are
As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here.
SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.
SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.
With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.
To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/
How to apply
Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by Friday 26 September 2025. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.
Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024 or Medical Scientist, Pharmacist and Psychologist Victorian Public Sector (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025.
The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:
- Police Record Check
- Employee Working with Children's Check, where required
- Current Immunisation status
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