The Role

The NEWSS Intake and Research Officer is the first point of clinical engagement for emergency service workers accessing Black Dog Institute’s National Emergency Worker Support Service. The role delivers a centralised intake function across Black Dog Institute and the UNSW Traumatic Stress Clinic, assessing their eligibility and guiding them to the appropriate clinical care.   
This role ensures our clinical research programs are perceived by patients as accessible, interesting, patient-focused, recovery orientated, friendly and welcoming. The position works collaboratively with the broader National Emergency Worker Support Service team.  
Tasks related to this position include conducting literature searches, contacting clinical trial participants, assisting with recruitment and assessments, preparing and editing research reports and manuscripts, data entry, coding, and analysis, assisting in the submission and maintenance of ethics forms and resources, and general research support duties. 
The role also contributes directly to research activities, including data preparation, analysis, reporting and support of research projects and clinical trials embedded within clinical services. 

Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Intake

• Conduct telephone screening, intake and triage functions to assess eligibility and refer clients to the appropriate clinic, research project, or external service.
• Provide a trauma-informed and person-centered experience.
• Maintain clinical and administrative records.
• Participate in intake review and case discussion meetings on site with both the BDI and Traumatic Stress clinics.
• Contribute to service improvement and data collection.

Research Operations and Support

• Support the delivery of research projects and clinical trials embedded within Clinical Services.
• Assist with project/trial informed consent, study set‑up, data management plans, database development and ongoing data quality monitoring.
• Contribute to research reporting, publications, grant reporting and translation activities as required.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with clinicians, researchers, operations staff and external partners to ensure data and systems meet user needs.
• The role works closely with both clinic teams and attends relevant meetings to support consistent intake and triage decisions.

Work, Health and Safety

• Ensure self‑compliance with all WHS legislation and Black Dog Institute WHS policies and procedures.
• Report WHS hazards and significant issues to the Director, People & Culture, or delegate.
• Work in a safe manner, applying duty of care.

Note: the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business.

Skills & Experience Required 

Essential Criteria 

1. Qualification in psychology, social work, counselling, mental health or related discipline.   
2. Experience engaging with people experiencing mental health concerns and knowledge of PTSD, anxiety, depression and trauma-informed care.  
3. Excellent telephone communication and rapport-building skills.  
4. Excellent ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to work across multiple service models and stakeholders.  
5. Strong attention to detail and organizational and documentation skills.  
6. Ability to manage sensitive information confidentially.  
7. Demonstrated commitment to quality, continuous improvement and organisational values. 
    

Desirable Criteria 

1. Experience working in research‑focused clinical services or clinical trial environments. 
2. Experience working with emergency service organisations and/or supporting emergency service workers, veterans or high risk populations.  
3. Research experience or interest.  
4. Knowledge of referral pathways and mental health systems.  
5. Experience working in telephone counselling or mental health services.  

Inclusion at BDI  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email workplaceadjustments@blackdog.org.au or phone 02 9382 4530 

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

How to Apply 
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to ELMO to apply and submit your most up to date resume. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. 

Commencement of employment with the Institute is subject to the completion of relevant pre-employment checks, include reference checks, a National Criminal History Check, and other role-specific requirements.
These checks are conducted in line with the Institute’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, and check outcomes are reviewed and applied fairly and in accordance with the inherent requirements of the role