Board Member

First Step is a specialist centre for integrated care – mental health, substance use and medical – with an embedded community legal centre.We are recruiting two new volunteer Directors with experience in one or more of the following areas:o strategic partnerships and fundraising in a community, NFP setting o experience working in or alongside the mental health, Alcohol and Other Drug or community sectors
First Step recognises lived and living experience of mental distress and/or substance use as a valuable form of expertise and a source of important insight. We strongly encourage people with this experience to apply and, if they feel comfortable doing so, to describe how their insights and other attributes would contribute to the Board. We welcome applicants whose skills and expertise have been gained through lived experience, community involvement or other non-traditional pathways, even if their résumé or professional background does not address every selection criterion. All directors must be able to fulfil the essential responsibilities and legal duties of Board membership, and appropriate support will be available.In this role, you will contribute to improving the support received by people with co-occurring needs including drug use. Many of our clients are survivors of adverse events in childhood, grew up in out-of-home care or have other significant trauma histories.
About First StepFirst Step is a not-for-profit mental health, addiction and legal services hub in St Kilda. In operation since 2000, First Step now has 1,600 clients, 43 staff, revenue over $4M and a strong reputation for multi-disciplinary, whole-of-person care for the most vulnerable Victorians. First Step is located in St Kilda, 18 Mitford St, where it provides a welcoming environment and empowering services. First Step is considered by the health and community sectors as a leader in multi-disciplinary, integrated care across mental health, substance use and legal services. First Step’s uniquely skilled workforce includes GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, lawyers, mental health nurses, peers, care coordinators, group therapist, drug and alcohol therapists, family therapists and financial counsellors.First Step is a company limited by guarantee. It is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and has deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.
The OpportunityFirst Step is embarking on a new strategic plan (2026-2029) which headlines integrated care, sector influence, people & culture and organisational sustainability. Featured heavily in the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, First Step is always innovating and looks to influence the growth of multi-disciplinary teams to support people with co-occurring needs.
As a Board member, you will:· Contribute to the governance of First Step, in compliance with its constitution, rules and policies.· Oversee First Step’s Strategic Plan and performance.· Attend and contribute to Board meetings.· Promote First Step in the community as opportunities arise.· Serve on one or more of the Board’s subcommittees (Finance and Risk, Clinical Governance, First Step Legal).· The Board meets eight times a year, in-person (St Kilda) or online.
Key Selection CriteriaThe Board is currently looking for the following key skills:· Not-for-profit Governance expertise.· Strategic partnerships and fundraising in a community, NFP setting· Experience working in or alongside the mental health, Alcohol and Other Drug or community sectors· The successful candidates must not be a disqualified person as specified in Part 2D.6 of the Corporations Act 2001 and will need to procure a director identification number (director ID), as required by the Act.
First Step is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.Applications are encouraged from people with diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience of mental ill-health, substance use and disability. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people of all ages and genders.
How to applyPlease direct your application to chair@firststep.org.au by 28 September 2026. Applications should include a cover letter outlining how you would meet the expectations set out for Board members, along with the Key Selection Criteria and include a current resume. For queries, please contact First Step Board Chair, Catherine Easton ( chair@firststep.org.au ) or CEO Patrick Lawrence ( patrick@firststep.org.au ).
The Position Description is available here: Careers - First Step
Please note that due to travel, interviews for short-listed candidates will take place in late October/early November for these roles.