Upstart (Mental Health Program) Engagement Worker

Full-time, fixed-term role based in South Melbourne SACS Level 3

Make a real difference in your community.

We are seeking a warm and engaging Upstart Engagement Worker to help people experiencing mental health challenges build confidence, strengthen their independence and reconnect with their community. Through flexible, person-led support, you will help participants work towards goals such as volunteering, study, employment, social connection and greater participation in community life.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Better Health Network supports people and families at different stages of life and works with communities to strengthen health and wellbeing. We believe that better health and wellbeing is built around community.

About The Role

As an Upstart Engagement Worker, you will provide recovery-oriented, trauma-informed support to participants in the Upstart program. Working with clinical guidance from Mental Health Clinicians, you will manage a small caseload, provide community-based outreach and facilitate group and social activities that respond to participants’ interests and goals.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

Supporting participants to put their recovery plans into action and build their daily living and self-care skills Helping participants access education, employment, volunteering, social activities and other opportunities in their community Completing initial psychosocial needs assessments with support from the team Identifying participant risks and escalating concerns when required Managing a small caseload and providing community-based outreach support Developing, promoting and facilitating group and social programs Planning and evaluating group content, adapting activities to participants’ needs and group dynamics Maintaining accurate participant records and contributing to feedback and service improvement activities.

About You

You will be an empathetic and collaborative community services professional who enjoys building trusted relationships and supporting people to work towards meaningful wellbeing goals.

To Be Successful, You Will Bring

A minimum Certificate IV in Mental Health, Community Services, Alcohol and Other Drugs or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience At least two years’ experience working in mental health and wellbeing, including outreach support and centre-based group activities A genuine commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and person-centred practice Confidence developing and facilitating social and community groups Warm, engaging and respectful communication skills The ability to work collaboratively while showing initiative and flexibility Sound judgement, problem-solving and time management skills The ability to seek guidance and feedback and maintain effective self-care strategies A current full or probationary driver’s licence.

Why join BHN?

About

At BHN, you’ll join a values-driven organisation that genuinely cares about its people and the communities it serves. We offer:

Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance Salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay Professional development and learning opportunities A collaborative and supportive team culture The opportunity to help people build confidence, connection and greater independence in their everyday lives.

Location

This role is primarily based at South Melbourne, with travel to community settings and other BHN locations as required.

Apply now with your resume and cover letter describing why you’d like to join the team and how your experience aligns with the role. Apply by28 th August 2026Applications will be assessed as received, so early applications are encouraged.

For enquiries about the role, please reach out to Maria Garda Ortiz, Team Leader Mental Health (Wellbeing) at mortiz@bhn.org.au

We value Accountability, Collaboration, Respect and Courage, and we strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes people from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Pre-employment checks include reference checks, a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, evidence of the right to work in Australia and confirmation of a current full or probationary driver’s licence.

#S-DNI