Program Officer – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

About the role

The Program Officer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention plays a critical role in supporting the development coordination and delivery of integrated mental health and suicide prevention initiatives across the ACT. This newly created role is central to driving regionspecific planning efforts and ensuring that services are effective compassionate and responsive to the health needs of Canberrans.

About the team

The new Program Officer will be part of the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Team at Capital Health Network (CHN). This team undertakes the strategic planning design and implementation of primary mental health care and suicide prevention initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes in the community. The team sits within a broader Health System Integration Team which is responsible for coordinating projects and program areas centred around improvement and integration of the health system to actively respond to the needs of the ACT community.

See yourself in our team

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of strategy service delivery and community engagement. As the successful candidate for this role you will combine a deep understanding of the complex and evolving mental health landscape in the ACT with a strategic approach to stakeholder engagement. You will employ highlevel organisational and coordination skills to facilitate collaborative projects that address the unique needs of the ACT community. Your passion for creating lasting impact for the community wellbeing will see you thrive in contributing to systemic reform projects to build a more connected accessible and efficient mental health system.

Work location

This position is based in our newly renovated and modern office located in the heart of the Belconnen town centre. We support flexibility and a hybrid work model at CHN and are happy to work with the successful candidate to ensure balance between work and life.

Working at CHN

At CHN you will have an opportunity to work with professional subject matter experts and experienced leaders who encourage and support you to develop your interests expertise and achieve your ambitions.

Some of the reasons CHN employees love working here include:

Worklife balance and wellbeing

• Paid December leave: Recharge during our annual closedown period with additional paid leave.
• Comprehensive leave options: Access leave entitlements on top of Annual Leave including Family and Wellbeing Leave as well as Religious Cultural and Ceremonial Leave.

Flexible work arrangements

• Hybrid work: Enjoy flexible working options designed to promote a sustainable worklife balance.
• Purchase additional leave: Create more time for yourself when you need it with the ability to purchase up to 2 weeks of extra leave per year.

Career growth and development

• Continuous Learning Programs: Participate in ongoing learning opportunities to expand your skills and expertise.
• Professional Development Fund: Access a dedicated fund to support your professional development goals.
• Study leave: Take advantage of our generous study leave option to support your learning and development goals while balancing work commitments.

Meaningful and impactful work

• Purposeful work in health: Be part of fulfilling varied work that advances how health care is delivered in Canberra improving health outcomes for ACT the community.
• Collaborate with health experts: Work alongside key health professionals and stakeholders across the health sector contributing to impactful initiatives.

Culture and Community

• Supportive collaborative workplace: Join a team environment built on collaboration and mutual support.
• Diverse and inclusive environment: Thrive in a workplace that prioritises diversity inclusion and wellbeing.
• Sustainability and social impact: Support our commitment to sustainability as we partner with others who make responsible choices for people and the planet.

Financial benefits and rewards

• Competitive remuneration package: Receive a competitive salary with an attractive benefits package through salary packaging of up to $15900 of your pretax income per FBT year to maximise your takehome pay.
• Abovestandard superannuation: Pursue longterm financial wellbeing with contributions that are always 0.5% higher than the Super Guarantee.

Learn more about CHN from our website: Capital Health Network Home ()

Position Salary: $47.33 per hour (approximately $93832 per annum) plus superannuation

Employment type: Full time fixed term until 30 June 2026

Working Days/hours: Full time standards

How to apply

Applications close: 11.59pm 27 May 2025

Position documentation can be found here

Please apply using the apply button. Your application MUST include a cover letter addressing how your skills experience and expertise will meet the functional competencies (max. 3 pages) salary expectations and your CV (max. 3 pages). Please do not send your applications to the recruitment email address.

Please note: Applicants are required to have full Australian work rights at the time of application and include details of any visa limitations and end dates in the application cover letter.

For further enquiries: Please contact Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Manager Stephanie Lentern:

CHN ACTs Primary Health Network welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. CHN will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with cultural requirements and/or individuals with a disability throughout the recruitment process.

If you identify as a person who may require adjustments to the application recruitment selection and/or assessment process please advise via orand indicate your preferred method of communication (email phone text) so we can keep in touch and meet your accessibility needs.