• Employer: Mental Health Advocacy Service
• Work Type: Contract - casual (part-time up to full-time hours)
• Classification: Advocacy and Campaigns, Mental Health
• Sector: State Government
• Location: Perth and Bunbury

About the Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS)

MHAS is an independent service providing advocacy, support, and rights protection for people receiving, or at risk of receiving, involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act 2014 (the Act), people living in psychiatric hostels and some other people identified under the Act.

We are currently seeking to fill Mental Health Advocate positions in the Perth metropolitan area, with training set to commence in November 2022.

About the role

Mental Health Advocates assist people receiving mental health services in Western Australia. Advocates help to amplify their voices, so their views and preferences are not only heard but respected. Advocates negotiate relationships within and across services with skill, patience, and persistence to ensure that people understand and access their rights under the Act. They work to enhance peoples’ experience of treatment, care, and support, and improve recovery outcomes.

Mental Health Advocates visit hospitals, mental health clinics and/or psychiatric hostels. Working hours are not “9 to 5” and can be very flexible. There will be times when you may need to be available at short notice.

About the right candidate

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Are passionate about social justice and human rights.
• Have a genuine interest in advocating for people living with mental health issues.
• Enjoy working in a range of dynamic and fast paced environments.
• Have a resilient, positive, can-do attitude.

What you will also need

• Knowledge of, and/or experience dealing with mental health issues and contemporary concepts and a strong commitment to human rights.
• High level communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with people from all walks of life.
• High level advocacy, negotiation, and investigative skills in a range of situations.
• Good letter and report writing skills.
• Good organisational and time management skills to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
• Good computer skills.
• Strong commitment to working ethically with integrity, professionalism, and commitment.

Additionally, successful applicants will also require:

• A National Police Clearance upon appointment.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements including working some hours from home.
• Training on commencement.
• Practice development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Contracts of up to 3 years, with the possibility of further extension.
• A vibrant team of like-minded people who are passionate about rights protection and treating all people with dignity and respect.
• The incredibly rewarding opportunity of being able to create positive change on an individual and systemic level in the mental health sector.

How to Apply

To be considered for interview, applicants must submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae which summarises your relevant experience.
2. Cover letter that addresses all work-related requirements (found in the Job Description and Work-Related Requirements document). Maximum length of 4 pages.
3. Completed Application Form.

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to attach your documentation.

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for assistance during business hours.

Interviews are planned the week commencing 19 September 2022.

Please note that emailed and late applications will not be accepted, and applications that do not include the required three documents will not be considered.

MHAS is committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. People with different experiences, skills and backgrounds including people with lived experience or disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ and people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For further information, please refer to the following:

• Applicant Information Package, detailing how to apply.
• Job Description and Work-Related Requirements, noting that the work-related requirements must be addressed in your cover letter.
• Terms and Conditions of Engagement of Mental Health Advocates.
• Application form, which must be submitted with the application.