Community Development Worker

 Employment Type -  Permanent Part Time

Hours per fortnight - 56 

Job Category - Allied Health Professional (generic)

Req Id - 6301 

• Contribute to community education, group programs and outreach activities that strengthen family and carer support
• Help make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and families affected by mental illness
• Opportunities for professional development and contribution to innovative community programs.

About Barwon Health

Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. Services available through Barwon Health cover the full spectrum from primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care. We serve more than 500,000 people through the efforts of more than 9000 staff and volunteers across more than 20 sites. Barwon Health is committed to developing a vibrant culture of education, training and research that advances health and wellbeing for all.

About Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services (MHDAS)  

MHDAS provides integrated and recovery oriented mental health, drugs and alcohol assessment, treatment and community support to people of all ages within the Barwon region experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, mental health and drug & alcohol issues, and their families. 

Our service is internationally recognised for its innovative clinical programs and integrated models of practice that are client centred, accessible and family inclusive. We are fortunate to enjoy terrific internal relationships and have developed excellent partnerships with the local community that provide for seamless integrated care for our clients. 

MHDAS is entering a new phase of co-design of our service system with people who access our services and our wider community. This will build on our nationally recognized unique cultural approach to the challenges of recovery-oriented service delivery to redesign our service system. 

About the facility 

Our major sites include University Hospital Geelong in Geelong's CBD, the McKellar Centre precinct in North Geelong, Barwon Health North in Norlane, and residential aged care facilities spanning the region. Comprehensive mental health, community health and dental services are delivered through various programs across the Barwon South West Region, including Torquay and Colac.

About the role

Proactively engage with and support children and young people up to 25 years of age, including young carers, who have a family member experiencing mental illness or psychological distress.

• Assist young carers to build strong, sustainable support networks that promote resilience and long-term wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, and community agencies to enhance connection and understanding around mental health impacts.
• Support the Family where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI) program aims and initiatives, in partnership with the FaPMI Coordinator.
• Contribute to community education, group programs and outreach activities that strengthen family and carer support.

About you

• Experienced in working with children, young people or families in a community or mental health setting.
• Passionate about promoting resilience, inclusion and early intervention for young people affected by mental illness in their families.
• Skilled in engagement, communication and relationship building across diverse settings.
• Collaborative team player with a recovery-oriented, family-focused approach.

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

About the culture

You will have the opportunity to be part of a highly skilled, professional and dedicated team who take pride in providing high quality services. We promote positive, respectful relationships and strong partnerships within the workplace. Grow and develop your capabilities with Barwon Health's commitment to professional development.

Barwon Health staff benefits

• Excellent working conditions with a high sense of job satisfaction.
• A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
• Wide-range of professional development opportunities to enhance your career.
• Attractive salary packaging benefits. Living expenses capped at $9010 and meals and entertainment capped at $2650.

About Geelong

Derived from the local Wadawurrung Aboriginal name for the region Djilang, Geelong is thought to mean 'Tongue of Land'.

Geelong offers a range of lifestyle choices including inner city, coastal, suburban and rural homes.

• Geelong is home to world class schools and education providers.
• Doorstep to the Great Ocean Road, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast
• Appreciate our vast and abundant parklands, sports and entertainment attractions, and thriving dining and shopping complexes.

To learn more about the region, 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, and family structures. We proudly support LGBTIQA+ inclusion and are committed to a safe and inclusive workplace for all.

We encourage applications from:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• LGBTIQA+ community members
• People of all gender identities
• People with disability
• Culturally and linguistically diverse communities

If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us.

Barwon Health is a totally smoke-free workplace.

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: About Child Safe Standards | Victorian Government )

Prior to commencement with Barwon Health, all new employees are required to provide a completed Barwon Health Immunity Status form and have Staff Care clearance.

Contact person:  Lily Rodriguez | Statewide Programs Manager | Mental Health Drugs & Alcohol Services | Barwon Health  
Email:  
Phone:

Application closing date: Wednesday 19, November 2025

Position Description