Program Officer

Program Officer – 12-month contract

Use your intake, triage and communication skills to help connect people with the right mental health support at the right time as a program officer – mental health intake and triage. The Program Officer is responsible for providing responsive, high-quality intake, triage and referral management support for HealthWISE commissioned mental health programs. The role acts as a key point of contact for general practitioners, referrers, service providers and clients, ensuring referrals are reviewed, assessed, prioritised and allocated in line with program eligibility, clinical risk, organisational procedures and funding requirements.

HealthWISE is looking for a capable, motivated and organised Program Officer to join our Services Support and Wellbeing teams. This role is central to supporting safe and timely access to mental health programs across rural and regional communities in the New England North West region of NSW and the Darling Downs and West Moreton regions of Queensland. This includes undertaking telephone-based assessments where required, completing risk assessments and safety planning, maintaining accurate client records, escalating complex or high-risk matters, and supporting effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

As the Program Officer, you will be a first key point of contact for general practitioners, referrers, service providers and clients. You will be responsible for reviewing and processing referrals, assessing eligibility and risk, supporting timely access to services, undertaking telephone-based assessments where required, completing risk assessments and safety planning, and ensuring clients are connected to the most appropriate mental health support.

The position requires strong communication, judgement, organisation and documentation skills. The Program Officer is expected to contribute to service quality, data accuracy, performance monitoring and continuous improvement activities while upholding privacy, safety, professional standards and HealthWISE values.

What we offer

• Meaningful work that supports better access to mental health care in rural and regional communities.
•  A collaborative and supportive team environment across Services Support and Wellbeing programs.
•  The opportunity to contribute to safe, responsive and person-centred referral pathways.
•  Varied work involving intake, triage, stakeholder communication, documentation and service coordination.

 A role where your organisation, judgement and communication skills make a practical difference every day.

About You

•  You have a Diploma or Certificate IV in Mental Health, or an equivalent qualification.
•  You bring experience in intake and triage within a community, health or mental health setting.
•  You understand stepped care, mental health referral pathways and client-centred practice.
•  You are confident completing clear documentation and maintaining accurate client information.
•  You communicate respectfully and professionally with clients, referrers, clinicians and service partners.
•  You can work independently while contributing positively to a multidisciplinary team.
•  You demonstrate cultural awareness and understand the impact of stigma and discrimination.

 How to Apply

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, submit a current resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Your application should describe your relevant qualifications, experience in intake and triage, communication skills and understanding of community-based mental health services.

To read the position description, visit: https://healthwise.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Program-Officer-1-2025.pdf

To learn more, contact Lynn Hall via lynn.hall@healthwise.org.au.