• CRVCID. 666964

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.

About the role

MHAS is seeking to recruit a number of General Mental Health Advocates to fill immediate vacancies in the Perth metropolitan area, Broome and Kalgoorlie.

We are also seeking to recruit a Youth Mental Health Advocate to fill an immediate vacancy in the Perth metropolitan area.

Comprehensive training for all roles is to be held in West Perth commencing in July 2025.

Mental Health Advocates assist people who are identified under the Act. 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 people understand and can 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. Service delivery hours can be very flexible; there will be times when you may need to be available at short notice.

This is a contract for service role with negotiable service delivery volume. It is preferred that applicants have availability to work at least 3 days per week.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments may be made when similar vacancies occur. Appointments may be made from this pool until 27/07/2026.

To find out more about the role: Please contact Fiona Tolley-Risch on 08 6234 6300.

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 and positive attitude.
• Have an ability to work within a legal framework and adhere to MHAS protocols and policies.
• Enjoy working both independently and as part of a team.
• Have the skills to engage with children and young people and navigate complex family relationships and social situations (Youth Advocate).

What you will also need

• Knowledge of, qualifications, training, 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.
• Good computer skills.
• Strong commitment to working ethically with integrity, professionalism, and commitment.
• Qualifications, training and/or experience relevant to children and young people and mental health (Youth Advocate)

Additionally, successful applicants will also require:

• A National Police Clearance upon appointment.
• A Working with Children Check upon appointment if requested.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements including some time spent working from home.
• Training on commencement.
• Practice development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Contracts of Engagement 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. Resume which summarises your relevant experience.
2. Cover letter that clearly identifies the role applied for, and that addresses all service-related requirements (found in the relevant Service Delivery Specification 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 Health Support Services – IT department (Option 1) on 13 44 77 for assistance during business hours.

Please note that emailed and late applications will not be accepted. Applications that do not include all relevant documentation may 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 click Apply Now.