• Up to 0.8 EFT; Permanent, Part Time position
• Flexible working arrangements considered
• Opportunity for a Hybrid working model, to support some work from home
• Salary packaging available
• Site: Various Merri Health Sites (primarily from: Pentridge Boulevard, Coburg)
• Join the innovative Community Connections Program, who work with clients to engage with their local community and other Merri Health programs to reach their goals

Your new organisation

At Merri Health, we strive to enrich diverse communities through the provision of quality health care and support services. Merri health is kicking goals by proudly being Rainbow Tick accredited, being an employer of choice for gender equality. A career at Merri includes access to a generous salary, uniquely proactive and comprehensive health and wellbeing framework, and an imbedded learning and development program to support you through all stages of your employment journey. Fun, diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Your new role

The Community Connector works within the Community Connections Program in the Prevention and Chronic Illness Care (P&CIC) team delivering an innovative program which aims to strengthen social connectedness and wellbeing whilst decreasing loneliness and social isolation for community members aged 18 to 64 years of age, or up to 50 years of age for Aboriginal Peoples.

This role assisting planning and co-facilitating or facilitating groups and activities, community events, and providing administrative support to the program. The role also provides 1:1 support to assist the client to develop skills and confidence to connect to their immediate and wider communities.

In this role, you will be working with community members that are eligible for funding via Home and Community Care – Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP).

The program aims to support clients to optimise their functional independence and engage meaningfully and actively in their community.

You will be responsible for

• In collaboration with the Community Connections team, plan and deliver groups and seminars to consumers. Groups may be site based, community based or telehealth.
• Support group facilitation, including preparing client resources, set up and pack down of the group area and support the delivery of the group.
• Assist in the administration of the group and seminar programs.
• Provide 1:1 support at home and/or in the community to assist the client to develop skills and confidence to connect to their immediate and wider communities. This may be through participating in groups, social and/or leisure activities,.
• Complete community connections and pre group assessments and develop a goal directed care plan, (within scope).
• Plan and deliver activities, including one on one and group work towards the long term objective of the program and monitor client progress
• Act as a link worker to facilitate access to community based programs, services and activities based on client interests and goals.
• Support consumers with referral/s to both internal and other external services based on their identified needs.

What you will need to succeed

The successful applicant will have one of the following professional qualifications:

• Minimum Certificate 4 Qualification in Allied Health Assistance, Diversional Therapy, Individual Support, Lifestyle and Leisure or equivalent, with relevant experience, knowledge and skills relevant to the role.
• An understanding of consumer centred care and community health principles.
• An understanding of the impacts of mental illness and or chronic disease, loneliness and social isolation for persons aged 18-64 years of age.
• Experience and ability to plan and facilitate telehealth, site based and community based groups and activities.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal), time management and interpersonal skills.

What we offer

We offer a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which encourages you to bring your whole self to work. As the successful applicant you’ll be joining an organisation where you will be supported to grow, learn and develop your skills to reach your potential.

You will also have access to generous salary packaging, purchase leave and flexible work arrangement options.

What you need to do now

Start by reviewing the attached position description. If this piques your interest, take a few minutes to learn more about us on our website.

If you have any questions contact Christine Kendall - [email protected] using the subject line: Community Connector enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Click Apply Now to submit your application. 

What else do I need to know

Preferred candidates will be subject to comprehensive reference and pre-employment background checking conducted by Merri Health prior to an offer of employment, including criminal record history check, NDIS worker screening and other employee screening and credential checks as determined by the position description.

All candidates must have the right to work in Australia. Merri Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for children and young people.

We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds including but not limited to those from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, the LGBTIQA+ community and those living with a disability to apply.