Youth Access Worker - headspace Cannington

Part Time: 4 Days per week - Tuesday to Friday

ABOUT US

Arche Health is a not for profit community-based organisation that provides quality support services to primary healthcare professionals as well as delivering quality health care services to the local community.

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year-olds, along with assistance in promoting young people’s wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.

ABOUT HEADSPACE CANNINGTON
We are a passionate and dynamic team, placing young people and their families at the centre of everything we do. We support their mental health and wellbeing through a client-led approach that values respect, empowerment, and connection. Our team culture is positive and supportive, guided by the values of inclusion, collaboration, agility, and excellence. These principles shape how we work internally and how we engage with clients and the community.

At headspace, we foster a learning environment where professional growth is genuinely valued. We are committed to developing skilled mental health clinicians and welcome applicants who are keen to learn, grow, and make a difference.

We’re proud to provide a workplace that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from multicultural backgrounds, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and people with disability.

POSITION SUMMARY
The purpose of the Youth Access Worker position is to effectively engage, screen, assess, refer, provide brief interventions and coordinate care for young people aged 12-25 years that contact or are referred to the headspace centre.

As one of the first contact points for young people accessing the headspace Cannington centre, the Youth Access Worker will need to build a positive rapport with a wide range of young people, as well as their family and friends.

The Youth Access Worker will need to be skilled in assessing a young person’s needs, including complex risk assessments and the ability to action a plan to mitigate any identified risk.  The Youth Access Worker will participate in regular clinical supervision and will be required to present and discuss cases with the clinical care team.

The Youth Access Worker works as part of a multidisciplinary team, including general practitioners, allied health clinicians, community engagement workers, and support staff.  They will also work closely with local community and partner youth and health services to provide holistic and integrated care.

MAIN ROLE

Intake and Assessment

• Relate to young people in a manner which is relevant and appropriate to their developmental and cognitive level of functioning and provide services in a youth friendly manner.

• Conduct bio-psycho-social assessments of young people presenting to the service using the headspace assessment tool and document the results of assessment and screening.

• Conduct risk assessments including assessment of suicide risk and violence risk, developing action plans to mitigate any risks, and providing follow up support and referral for treatment.  High risk clients must be promptly reported to the supervisor for appropriate action.

• Monitor patients for critical changes and initiate appropriate emergency procedures.

• Refer young people to internal and external services as appropriate and provide follow up support.

• Facilitate and monitor the integration and coordination of care to headspace clients, including active participation in case review meetings.

• Provide brief interventions to a small caseload of clients with mild to moderate mental health presentations.

• Participate in the access and intake system, answering phone calls and enquiries, screening and assessing needs, prioritising and making appropriate follow up appointments and referrals.

• Maintain up-to-date client records and comply with data collection standards.

Community Engagement

• Work alongside the community engagement team to represent headspace and promote the centre’s services at community awareness events.

General

• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders involved in the provision of health, mental health and psychosocial services to young people.

• Participate in relevant training and development activities as an effective team member.

• Other duties consistent with the position where required and/or requested by management from time to time.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Qualifications and Registrations

Essential

• Tertiary level qualifications in health, behavioural/social sciences, community services, or a related discipline that provides a sound understanding and knowledge of assessing and working with young people at risk.

Desirable

• Current full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) or current full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• The ability and experience to undertake intake and screening activities, including comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment to determine client needs, and to assist clients to access appropriate services.

• The ability and experience to conduct risk assessments, including suicide and violence risks, and to develop action plans that mitigate these risks.

• The ability and experience to be able to deliver brief therapeutic interventions, counselling services and treatment planning.

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment, coordinating client care.

• Experience in the youth and/or mental health sector.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of mental health, evidence-based intervention and clinical practice, demonstrated experience in providing intervention.

• A high level of interpersonal skills with the ability to be inclusive of a diverse range of people and to engage with young people and advocate on their behalf.

• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organisational and computer skills including spreadsheets and database applications.

• Ability to work collaboratively as a productive team member.

• A broad understanding of the challenges and experiences of young people within a localised setting. 

Desirable

• Knowledge and ability to develop and deliver group-based skills training activities to assist clients’ psychosocial functioning (e.g. life skills, anger management, problem solving, conflict resolution, etc.).

• A broad understanding of the mental health and primary care health system in Australia.

• High levels of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.

• Positive and collaborative team player.

• Adaptability and flexibility to changing work environments and requirements.
  

To find out more about headspace visit http://headspace.org.au/

Closing Date: Friday, 11th September 2026

APPLICANT MUST BE IN AUSTRALIA 
Applications including current resume and statement of claims addressing the selection criteria in a cover letter should be applied directly in SEEK. Queries should be emailed through to *******@archehealth.com.au