Early Intervention Response Worker

Join Meli's The Geelong Project team and help create brighter futures for young people and their families.

As an Early Intervention Response Worker, you'll work directly with schools, students and families to address challenges early, strengthen protective factors, and support young people to remain engaged in education, build positive connections, and achieve their goals. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact through early intervention, outreach and collaborative support.

As an Early Intervention Response Worker, you will:

• Deliver early intervention support, case management and therapeutic responses to young people and families experiencing risk factors associated with homelessness, offending and school disengagement.
• Engage young people and their families through assertive outreach, school-based support and collaborative partnerships with school staff and community services.
• Coordinate and participate in the Australian Index of Adolescent Development (AIAD) screening process to identify and respond to emerging needs.
• Provide secondary consultation, group programs and practical support to school communities while maintaining accurate case records and contributing to program data collection.

• Full-time, fixed term position until 18 September 2027
• 1 FTE working 38 hours per week
• $105,834 p/a + Super & Salary Packaging

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

• Qualification or equivalent in Youth, Social Work or Community Welfare (Diploma or higher) and experience in client services functions.
• Experience in delivering risk and needs assessments, case management, client advocacy, and therapeutic interventions in line with Best Interests Framework for case practice.
• Ability to form a sound ecological perspective of client circumstances, with minimal information to rapidly determine required support using the appropriate tools.
• Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child safe organisation in both practice and culture.

At Meli, we offer more than just a job—we provide a platform to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes:

• Supportive Culture: Join a values-driven organization that fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Career Growth: Access ongoing Learning & Development opportunities and clear pathways for progression.
• Financial Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging up to $15,900 per year, enhancing your financial well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible ways of working.
• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in employee-led Inclusion Working Groups, access confidential counselling via our Employee Assistance Program, and enjoy paid parental leave above the government scheme.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and actively supports individuals from all walks of life.

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a résumé and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close 11:59pm, Friday 21st August 2026

For more information about the position please contact Colleen Cartwright, Project Manager, The Geelong Project on 0417 021 ***.

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or harm of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. All employment with Meli is subject to reference checks, a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check, VIT Check (where applicable) and a current Working with Children Check prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview. If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at ***********@meli.org.au to discuss how we can best support you.

If you’re ready to inspire change and make a lasting impact, click Apply Now and start your journey with Meli.