Community Engagement and Participation Officer

Who are we?

Sonder is a leading not-for-profit human services organisation committed to creating communities where no one is left to navigate life’s hardest moments alone. We work alongside thousands of people each year, bringing together mental health, alcohol and other drug, community and practical supports to deliver connected, person-directed care that helps people live the lives they choose.

What benefits can we offer?

When you work with Sonder, you become part of the Sonder family and that provides you with a number of benefits such as:

• Salary (excluding super) paid above award and reviewed annually

• Flexible working arrangements

• Professional development allowance provided yearly

• Generous salary packaging options - increase your take home pay by 6-12%

• 17.5% Leave Loading

• Modern and welcoming office spaces

• Christmas Closure Bonus Leave (above annual leave entitlements)

• Training opportunities

• Meal & entertainment allowances

• Paid parental leave, and much more!

Sonder are open to negotiating further benefits with the successful applicant to ensure an excellent working environment for you.

Salary Band: $80,006.68 - $85,798.44 + Super

Hours: 1.0 FTE

Contract: Ongoing

Location: Barngarla Country, headspace Whyalla

More Information & Position Description via this link: https://sonder.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Community-Engagement-and-Participation-Officer-JP-hs.pdf

Immunisations: Employment is subject to compliance with Sonder’s Immunisation Policy. Applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, all vaccinations and immunisations required for the role.

About the Role: As the Community Engagement and Participation Officer, you are a key member of the multidisciplinary youth mental health team within the headspace Primary team. You plan and deliver community engagement and participation activities that promote mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and increase awareness of headspace services.

You will work closely with young people, families, volunteers, and community stakeholders to develop and facilitate meaningful engagement opportunities, support youth and family participation, and strengthen community connections.

You'll coordinate opportunities for young people to contribute to governance and service activities, including facilitating a Youth Reference Group (YRG). Through building strong partnerships, delivering education, and leading local engagement initiatives, you help create accessible, responsive, and recovery-oriented pathways to care for young people aged 12–25.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to an inclusive and culturally safe workplace.

Experience Requirements:

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

• Demonstrated experience in the planning and delivery of community engagement and participation programs.

Qualification and Other Requirements:

• Current or willing to obtain a Working with Children's Check (WWCC)

• Current or willing to obtain a National Police Check (NPC)

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in either:

  • Youth Work

  • Community Development

  • Social Planning

  • Social/Behavioral Science

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Social Work

  • Health Sciences (Health Promotion)

  • or other relevant field.

  Or demonstrated substantial and extensive experience in the youth sector.

How to apply:

Applicants are requested to send a cover letter and resume to Sonder via our careers portal on our website.

Feel free to send any enquiries to sondercareers@sonder.net.au

Advert Closing Date: 18 September 2026

At Sonder, we strive to respond to all applicants. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may only be able to contact those shortlisted for the role. Thank you for your understanding.