• Starting August 2021
• Ongoing role based in Abbotsford
• Salary packaging available

WHO WE ARE

Tandem was established in 1994 and is proud to be the trusted voice of family and friends in mental health in Victoria. As the Victorian peak body with a sole focus on the needs and interests of mental health carers, Tandem’s role is to provide leadership, coordination and knowledge for the organisations and individuals who are working to improve outcomes for Victorian people living with mental health issues, their family and friends. Tandem is committed to ensuring that the importance of the contribution, expertise, experiences and needs of family, friends and supporters/carers is recognised and addressed, and that they will be essential partners in recovery, service governance and delivery, planning, research and evaluation.

Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System

The Victorian Government initiated a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System in February 2019. The final report of the Royal Commission recognises ‘the centrality of lived experience to the planning and delivery of mental health treatment, care and support services’ (p 19). Lived Experience refers to the experience of seeking help directly for mental health challenges or being a family member by birth or choice, friend or supporter of someone seeking assistance.

If you are a family member/friend or supporter of someone seeking assistance from the mental health system this is a role where you can make an active difference.

WHAT WE DO

• We advocate for family and friend involvement in planning and care, participation in system change and support.
• We operate the FREE Tandem Support and Referral Line for family and friends in mental health 1800 314 326
• We promote and support the development of the Mental Health Carer Workforce and leadership.
• We inform and empower family and friends to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
• We promote and collaborate on the delivery of training on family inclusive practice for mental health professionals.
• We support and advocate for the diverse needs of family, friends and other supporters of people living with mental health issues.
• We collaborate on research and policy development on matters in relevant areas.
• We raise community awareness about the important role of family and friends in mental health recovery.
• We administer the Carer Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to carers of people registered with Area Mental Health Services in Victoria.

Tandem’s members include family and friends (carers and former carers), organisations providing mental health services, regional carer networks and support groups.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Responsibilities

1. Develop and manage the communications strategies that support Tandem’s objectives.
2. Develop and grow Tandem’s profile with key media entities.
3. Ensure consistency across Tandem’s internal and external communications products and materials by acting as the custodian of Tandem’s writing and brand style guides.
4. Co-ordinate and partner with staff to develop digital content for publications, newsletters and communications material, including speeches, presentations, and the annual report, which will include sourcing content, copy writing and editing, layout, proofing, and distribution.
5. Manage and develop Tandem’s social media accounts, including sourcing content, creating and scheduling content, and providing monthly reports.
6. Manage website content updates by drafting, editing, approving and publishing program and project content. Recommend functional changes to the site to meet organisational needs and continually improve the user experience.
7. Undertake daily media monitoring and plan, coordinate and evaluate media monitoring services.
8. Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of specific communications campaigns.
9. Act as consultant and facilitator to staff, assisting them to increase the effectiveness and professional presentation of Tandem’s messages consistent with the Tandem Strategic Plan to the public.
10. Promote and assist with the planning of Tandem events, including member consultations, forums, conferences and the Tandem Awards for Exceptional Service to Family and Friends in Mental Health.
11. This will include creating events pages, monitoring registrations, and promotion through Tandem’s e-newsletter and on social media.

For enquiries, please contact Sarah Irving, Team Leader Policy and Projects on 03 8803 5555.