•  FTE 0.9

About the role:

The Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) team are seeking a suitably experienced individual to join their team in the role of an Advocate, providing intake services across the state and advocacy services in the metropolitan region.

You will provide intake services and advocacy services including make and receive referrals and respond to inquiries from users of the program, mental health organisations and services including, but not limited to, hospitals, peer support workers, social workers, lawyers, caseworkers and other advocates. This role will also work with mental health consumers to provide information about their rights and the mental health system, assisting to express their views and preferences, and support them to make decisions and participate in decision-making relating to their assessment, treatment, and recovery.

About you:

You will have significant experience working with consumers and a deep understanding of the challenges impacting Victorians when accessing mental health support services. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate with varied internal and external stakeholders. You will also have the ability to quickly build rapport and trust with consumers.

To be effective in this role, you will have a flexible, patient and supportive approach while remaining transparent. You will be a creative problem solver with either mental health support and/or advocacy or consumer advocacy experience.

Candidates should have experience in one or more areas including community development, consumer advocacy, mental health advocacy, community sector advocacy, social work, mental health service provision or other similar fields. People with mental health consumer experience are encouraged to apply

About Victoria Legal Aid:

Our vision is for a fair and just society where rights and responsibilities are upheld. With over 800 staff employed in 15 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. We also provide legal representation to those who need it most.

Employee benefits:

We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), flexible working arrangements under a hybrid work model, family friendly policies and opportunities for professional development. Whilst the work is challenging, you will be rewarded with a culture that is focused on achieving quality outcomes for disadvantaged Victorians.

How to apply:

Submit a current resume and completed candidate application form (listed within the file attachments as a Word document). You must complete the candidate application form to be considered for this role, separate responses to the KSC outlined in the position description are not required. Please also include the contact details of two referees.

VLA employees are required to comply with the Victorian Minister for Health’s mandatory vaccination orders and therefore must be vaccinated against COVID-19. It is also a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

For further information review the attached position description or contact Emma Wilcox-Davies, Acting Manager, Mental Health Advocacy on (03) 9093 3701.