• Report to: Chief Executive Officer – NT Mental Health Coalition
• Terms of Employment: Full time or part time - flexible arrangements negotiable. Immediate start to June 30, 2026.
• Award Classification: SCHADS - Level 5 ($97,377 p/a); Generous salary packaging available
• Leave Entitlements: 5 weeks annual leave (pro-rata), Christmas close down period, plus 17.5% leave loading

About Us

The Northern Territory Lived Experience Network (LEN) seeks to provide a collective and independent voice for people with lived experience of issues related to mental distress, trauma, suicide and alcohol and drug use in the Northern Territory through:

• Opportunities to safely use their lived experience to inform reforms to the NT mental health, suicide prevention and alcohol and other drug treatment service systems.
• Information to navigate and self-advocate whilst using the NT mental health, suicide prevention and alcohol and other drug service systems.
• Opportunities to build skills that promote wellbeing and recovery for individuals and family/kin in the NT.

About the Opportunity

In collaboration with the Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition (The Coalition), the peak body for community mental health services in the NT, the NT Lived Experience Network is seeking to establish a sustainable Lived Experience Collaborative (The Collaborative). The Collaborative will enhance the contributions of people with lived experience to the mental health system and related services; assist with the co-design of system and service reforms through shared lived experience decision making; act as a central coordination point for existing consumer led groups; and, consolidate resources and expertise to increase collective impact.

Responsibilities of the Role

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer of The Coalition, the Program Manager – Lived Experience Collaborative will be responsible for achieving the outcomes and associated deliverables of The Collaborative. These include but are not limited to:

• coordination of steering groups which guides the outcomes and deliverables of The Collaborative
• delivering advocacy training to emerging leaders with lived experience with a view of empowering and promoting the rights of people with lived experience (online and in person).
• supporting delivery of culturally responsive workshops to a broad range of stakeholders (including service providers and families/kin, and carers of people with lived experiences)
• management of stakeholder relationships on local and national levels,
• contextualising resources that could be used by a Northern Territory peer work community of practice
• undertaking consistent data collection for continuous improvement and development of The Collaborative
• ensuring reporting requirements to key funders and stakeholders are met.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will have:

1. Their own individual lived experiences of mental health challenges and/or using or interacting with mental health treatment/care services in the NT.
2. Demonstrated experience in delivering programs workshops and/or events, community development, mental health community service, peer work, youth work, disability or a related discipline.
3. Demonstrated experience in leadership roles and the ability to think strategically at a systems-level.
4. The ability to present to a range of stakeholders and groups; and facilitate purposeful discussions within a consultative and non-judgmental environment.
5. Demonstrated experience of managing and supporting a team to achieve outcomes.
6. Strong interpersonal, engagement and relationship building skills with a proven ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders in an environment requiring cultural sensitivity.
7. Strong understanding of organisational governance.
8. Excellent high-level communication and administration skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly.

Requirements

• SAFE NT National Police Check
• A current Working With Children Check (Ochre Card)
• Current and valid NT drivers licence

Desirable

• Qualifications relating to community development, mental health community service, peer work youth work, disability or a related discipline.
• Experience in policy development relating to mental health systems and services.
• Experience in an organisational governance role.

The Lived Experience Network strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, persons with a disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+.

We value lived experiences of persons with mental health conditions, their experiences of recovery and the experience of people who are family/kin. We foster a culture where self-care is valued, and employees are encouraged to prioritise their health and well-being.

Applications are to be submitted via the "Apply Now" button.

Applicants are encouraged to contact [email protected] using the subject line: Program Manager, Lived Experience Collaborative enquiry via EthicalJobs or 08 8948 2246 for further information.

A position description is attached.