Community Development Worker, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services

• Build your career with Victoria’s largest regional health service.
• Join a supportive, high-performing team making a meaningful impact in the community.
• Enjoy a temporary part-time role - 48 hours per fortnight until 30.6.2027

About the role 

As the Community Welfare Development Worker you will be responsible in supporting the Colac and Otway community following the 2026 bushfires by leading community engagement, mental health promotion and awareness activities. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will build strong community and service partnerships, coordinate events and communications, and improve access to mental health information and support for people and families affected by the bushfires. 

Key responsibilities 

• Engage bushfire-affected communities, build partnerships with local organisations and services, and improve access to support for vulnerable groups.
• Develop and deliver community awareness activities, events, education sessions and media campaigns that promote mental health literacy, early help-seeking and reduce stigma.
• Support the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Bushfire Recovery Program, maintain effective referrals and contribute to multidisciplinary service coordination.
• Maintain accurate records and outcome data, manage risks, participate in quality improvement and professional development, and comply with Barwon Health policies, standards and legislation.

What we’re looking for 

• Relevant qualification and community experience in Health Promotion, Public Health, Community Development, Social/Behavioural Science, Youth Work, Social Work or Planning.
• Experience coordinating community programs, events and activities, including engaging and facilitating diverse community groups.
• Strong communication and community engagement skills, with the ability to tailor messages and strategies to different target groups.
• Strong digital and analytical skills, including social media, Microsoft Office, data analysis and reporting, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required.

Position Description  

Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services. 

Barwon Health staff benefits 

• Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction 

• A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program 

• Extensive professional development opportunities 

• Attractive salary packaging benefits 

• Living expenses capped at $9,010 

• Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650 

For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click here 

Diversity and inclusion 

Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community. 

Child safety 

We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards 

Additional information 

If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at peopleassist@barwonhealth.org.au 

All appointments are subject to: 

• Satisfactory Police Record Check 

• Immunisation Status Clearance 

• Working with Children Check (if applicable) 

To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email.