Program Officer, Children and Youth

• Opportunity to collaborate and support youth mental health services to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the region.
• Full-Time (1.0 FTE) Maximum Term role (2 Year contract)
• Remuneration: Band 3 - $73605.21 - $88997.93 12% superannuation
• Generous NFP salary packaging options for up to $18550
• Location - 737 Bourke Street Docklands Victoria 3008 Close to Southern Cross Train Station Onsite or Hybrid; WFH (2-3 days)

About the role

The Program Officer Children and Youth will support the commissioning of Commonwealth-funded primary health and mental health services focused on children and young people.

Working collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders such as headspace centres and other youth mental health providers - the role contributes to all stages of the commissioning process in line with the NWMPHN Commissioning Framework. This includes supporting projects to ensure they deliver high-quality outcomes.

A key focus of the role is supporting the development implementation monitoring and evaluation of services that improve health and wellbeing for young people in our region. Strong stakeholder engagement with providers and a clear understanding of their operating context are essential as is ensuring the voices of consumers and carers are used to drive service improvement.

About Us

We are North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) Victorias largest independent locally governed and run not-for-profit PHN dedicated to improving primary health care in our community.

What are PHNs

PHNs have been established with two key objectives:

• increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of services for community members particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes
• improving coordination of care to ensure people receive the right care in the right place at the right time

At NWMPHN we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements including work-from-home options.
• Up to 6 days of Paid Life Leave per calendar year for cultural celebrations family events birthdays etc.
• Support for parents with Paid Parental Leave options.
• Additional Paid leave during End-of-Year close down period.
• Generous NFP salary packaging health and wellbeing programs and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

For more information on Staff benefits please visit: typical week may include:

• Partnering with youth mental health providers (including headspace centres) to strengthen commissioning services to support child and youth mental health services.
• Designing delivering implementing and evaluating commissioned programs that are accessible person-centred and evidence based that align with youth mental health priorities.
• Monitoring project progress and contracts to ensure services meet quality performance and reporting requirements of the organisation and other funders.
• Using project management tools and evidence to guide decisionmaking analyse data and prepare clear timely reports for key stakeholders.
• Driving continuous improvement supporting providers and identifying opportunities to innovate commissioning and procurement processes to achieve better outcomes for children and young people.

About you:

• 2-3 years experience in the health government or not-for-profit sector.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in social science education health or a related field are desirable.
• Understanding of the Australian primary health care system including models of care commissioning service delivery and care coordination.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and contracts delivering agreed outcomes in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively while maintaining competing priorities and using strong evaluation and problem solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including preparing professional reports and documentation while maintaining effective stakeholder relationships.

Whats in it for you

• A friendly and supportive professional environment
• Career progression opportunities
• Great work-life balance (Hybrid options to work from home and in office)

Other Benefits:

• Life Leave - up to 6 days of paid leave a year for cultural celebrations family events or your birthday
• Generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers
• Additional paid leave at Christmas/NY
• Can apply for additional purchased leave (48/52)
• Fun social club and health and wellbeing activities

NWMPHN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognise the importance of attracting and retaining talent that reflects the diverse community we live in. Research shows that teams with diverse experiences and perspectives are more creative and better problem-solvers. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Peoples.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. If you bring curiosity adaptability and the right skills - even if you dont check every box in the responsibilities or qualifications section - we still encourage you to APPLY!

Should you need any specific support or accommodations during the recruitment process or afterwards please reach out to the HR team at

Candidates with valid work rights will be fully considered. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a National Police Check Victorian Working with Children Check and have a drivers licence.