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 a Senior Mental Health Advocate position, with training set to commence in November 2022.

About the role

MHAS assists people receiving mental health services in Western Australia. We help to amplify their voices so their views and preferences are not only heard but respected. We negotiate relationships within and across services with skill, patience, and persistence to ensure that people understand and access their rights under the Act. We work to enhance peoples’ experience of treatment, care, and support, and promote compliance with the Act and the Charter of Mental Health Care Principles.

Senior Advocates report directly to the Chief Mental Health Advocate and are based in the West Perth office. They provide support and assistance to Mental Health Advocates, design and deliver induction and ongoing training, conduct investigations and inquiries and write reports on systemic issues.  The Senior Advocate is responsible for several teams of Mental Health Advocates in metropolitan and regional areas. See the job description for more information.

About the right candidate

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Are a strengths-based leader, passionate about social justice and human rights.
• Committed to improving the experiences of people coming into contact with the mental health sector.
• Skilled at managing a range of complex and diverse stakeholder relationships in order to drive systemic change.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
• Have a resilient, positive, can-do attitude. 

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements including working some hours from home.
• Training on commencement.
• Opportunity to lead and develop a vibrant and passionate team of Mental Health Advocates.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Contracts of up to 3 years, with the possibility of further extension.
• The incredibly rewarding opportunity of being able to create positive change 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.

For further role related information please contact Chief Mental Health Advocate, Dr. Sarah Pollock on 6234 6300 or [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Mental Health Advocate enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Interviews planned the week commencing 3 October 2022.

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.