Health Promotion Practitioner – Community Service

About the organisation

Access Health and Community is a long-established not-for-profit healthcare provider with more than 150 years of experience delivering person-centred and inclusive care across Melbourne’s inner and outer east and northeast. The organisation employs around 600 staff and supports its work with 200 volunteers across 17 sites. After merging with Inspiro in May 2025, its service reach expanded into the Yarra Ranges, reinforcing its focus on accessible, high-quality community health support.

The organisation places strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, sound environmental, social and governance principles, and respect for the rights, culture and contributions of First Nations peoples. Its work is guided by compassion, collaboration and community-led care, with the aim of helping people live healthier lives.

The opportunity

This is a permanent full-time position for a Health Promotion Practitioner based in Hawthorn, with flexibility to work across the organisation’s Lilydale and Belgrave sites as needed. The role sits within a collaborative and purpose-driven health promotion team focused on improving community wellbeing across Melbourne’s Inner East and the Yarra Ranges.

In this position, you will contribute to evidence-based health promotion work across community, education, sport and recreation settings. You will partner with local government, community organisations and other stakeholders to support population health outcomes, strengthen prevention efforts and help drive system-level change through place-based, community-focused initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and assess health promotion programs and broader population health initiatives aligned with community health health promotion priorities and annual action plans.
• Develop and sustain effective relationships with community groups, community organisations, local government, education providers and sport and recreation partners to support long-term health and wellbeing outcomes.
• Prepare strong project materials such as reports, communications, advocacy content and grant submissions to support delivery and funding success.
• Support stakeholder involvement, community engagement and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen prevention and health promotion work across diverse communities.
• Track, evaluate and report on outcomes while identifying new opportunities, partnerships and evidence-informed approaches to improve population health.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in health promotion, public health, health science, community development or a closely related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in a population health role within a community setting.
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing reports, project documents and funding applications.
• A proactive, community-oriented mindset with a commitment to health equity, prevention and systems-level improvement.
• Ability to work in ways that promote equity and inclusion, apply a gender lens, and seek input from people with lived experience of diversity and intersectionality.
• Capacity to build productive working relationships with community members, volunteers and staff, supported by cultural competence.
• Understanding of health promotion concepts including the Ottawa Charter, determinants of health and the Victorian Health and Wellbeing Plan.
• Experience applying systems thinking in health promotion is valued.
• Ability to demonstrate behaviours aligned with the organisation’s values.
• National Police Check and Working With Children Check.
• Proof of legal right to work in Australia and a valid driver’s licence.
• Speaking a community language in addition to English is desirable.

What’s on offer

• Competitive not-for-profit salary with salary packaging, including opportunities to increase take-home pay.
• Supportive, collaborative and values-led team culture.
• Flexible working conditions with a genuine focus on work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program to support staff wellbeing and health.
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Paid parental leave and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Annual leave loading.
• Generous salary packaging benefits of up to $15,990 per year plus $2,650 for meals and entertainment.
• The chance to do meaningful work and make a real difference to communities.
• Access to a respected organisation known for innovation and positive impact.

Additional information

This position is based in Hawthorn and may involve travel or work across Lilydale and Belgrave as required. The role is permanent and full time. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so early submission is encouraged. Applications close on 19 July 2026. Recruitment agencies are not required.

Equality and inclusion commitment

The organisation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values people of all cultural backgrounds, ages, gender identities, sexualities and lived or living experiences. Applications are especially encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of all genders and sexualities, and people with lived and living experience. The organisation recognises the strength and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples and is committed to reconciliation through its employment, services and internal practices. Each compliance requirement is considered individually, and a criminal history does not automatically rule out employment. All applications are handled confidentially.

Application process

Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter that addresses the selection criteria. Further position details can be obtained from the organisation’s careers information. Enquiries about the role can be directed to Heather Cole, Manager Health Promotion, by email.