At Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, we focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in Sydney, from East to South and the Inner West. Primary health refers to the healthcare provided in the community, such as a local doctor, pharmacist or psychologist. We provide support and training to these health professionals. We help them to connect community members to other services so that everyone involved in a person’s care can know how best to look after their health.

PHNs are not-for-profit organisations. We receive money from the government to provide health services that are right for the people in this area. We also work with hospitals, specialists, aged care facilities and others to improve people’s experience when needing healthcare. We work to make it easier for people to get the best care and support when and where they need it to achieve our vision of healthy and thriving communities.

About this job

• Work from Office initially with hybrid working arrangements - 2 days required in office
• Office based in Mascot (close to public transport)
• Purpose driven organisation
• Salary packaging available, additional leave days, EAP and other benefits
• Fixed-term contract until June 2026

The Mental Health Program Officer is responsible for the delivery of key objectives in mental health across the Central and Eastern Sydney PHN (CESPHN) region. Reporting to the Mental Health Team Lead this role will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders throughout the cycle of commissioning and support the development of regional needs assessments, expansion of evidence-based activity plans, and monitoring and evaluation activities for mental health services.

This is a fixed-term contract until June 2026, with the possibility of a further extension.

Key Responsibilities

• Support implementation of planned and approved activities undertaken within the disciplines of project management principles and ensure they are delivered on time and within budget;
• Communicate and collaborate with a range of stakeholders including Local Health Districts, non-government organisations, community organisations and the public;
• Collaborate with the team to contribute to impactful research initiatives, providing valuable support in research work and data analysis as needed;
• Collaborate with the contract team to draft and deliver service agreements, contracts and memorandum of understandings, utilising CESPHN’s Contract Management System as a tool to support best practice governance, monitoring and evaluation;
• Follow CESPHN Commissioning Framework and support through the commissioning cycle to ensure effective completion of regional needs assessments, evidence based activity plans and monitoring and evaluation activities;

Selection criteria – essential

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in a health or related field;
• Sound organisational skills with proven ability to set priorities and manage multiple pieces of work with competing deadlines;
• Ability to work autonomously as well as effectively as a high performing team member;
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of office based computing applications e.g. Excel, Word, Power BI, Power Point, Client Information Management Systems, SharePoint, Outlook etc.
• Proven high level written, verbal and electronic communication skills, and ability to successfully manage communications to internal and external stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including Local Health Districts, non-government organisations, community organisations and the public; and
• Experience in project management, achieving deliverables in an effective and timely manner within budget guidelines;

Selection criteria - desirable

• Relevant experience of working in fields such as mental health, drug health, suicide prevention, child and youth mental health, strategy and planning and / or Aboriginal Health;
• Experience in commissioning high quality, locally relevant and effective health services informed by needs assessment and market analysis;
• An understanding of contract management methods, principles and contemporary practices;
• An understanding of the primary health care environment and experience in communicating with health care professionals and consumers;.
• Access to a motor vehicle and possession of a current NSW drivers’ licence.

If you have any questions about the role please contact: Recruitment on [email protected] using the subject line: Mental Health Program Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs

CESPHN is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Why work at Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network?

The impact you want

We all want to make a difference, and there are so many ways to do that in the healthcare sector. At Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN), purpose and impact feel a bit different from frontline roles.

Our people tell us that, here, it’s less about putting out fires and more about shaping the foundations for a healthier future. Here, you’ll engage with the big picture issues. You’ll plan ahead for the changing needs of our incredibly diverse communities. You’ll connect the pieces of the puzzle, and help improve healthcare, one step at a time. With every connection, every partnership and every strategy, you’ll enable sustainable, thriving communities, for today and tomorrow.

This kind of work takes time, effort and patience! But make no mistake - your impact at CESPHN is significant. Our size (we’re just over 100 people), our flat structure and our open culture mean you’ll never be just one of many. You’ll make a direct contribution every day, shaping, innovating and improving, and you’ll feel valued for all you achieve. Working with us should also positively impact your career. Collaborating with stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum, you’ll get incredible exposure, and develop knowledge and skills that help you grow for the future. So whether you choose to stay with us long-term, or branch out onto a new path, here at CESPHN, you’ll set yourself up for a truly impactful career.

The support you need

At CESPHN, we believe that real impact doesn’t need to come at the expense of your wellbeing. Quite the opposite. The work we do takes sustained and consistent effort, and fresh, innovative thinking. That’s why we work hard to ensure you get the right balance and support for work and life. Our people say that working here feels like a breath of fresh air. Because as much as possible, you’re supported to work in alignment with your natural rhythm and at a pace that sustains, not one that crashes and burns. So, join us and flex your start and finish times, log in from your home office up to three days per week and use your laptop’s built-in wi-fi whenever your local coffee shop or quiet park bench calls!

Join us and find a team where you’re treated like a human being. Find the space you crave and the flexibility you need to bring your best self to work.

The team you deserve

Our approach is simple: We look out for each other so that everyone can thrive. That’s why we’re working hard to create a culture where you can feel comfortable to be yourself, and where you’ll be supported to produce your best work. We’re all proudly different – different backgrounds, home lives, experiences, perspectives – and we respect and celebrate those differences. We value the unique contributions of all our team members.

We work hard, and we do it with a shared sense of purpose and a strong willingness to collaborate, connect and solve problems together. It’s not all about handing out medals here. At heart, it’s about working together and winning as a team.

Join us, and you’ll find:

• Approachable and supportive leaders who genuinely value your input and want to see you grow
• A multicultural workforce that fosters a culture of respect, empowerment, and accessibility
• Empathetic, smart, capable humans who care as much as you do about community health and each other
• The trust and respect to run with projects, to challenge and question and share new perspectives.