• 0.8 FTE ongoing, permanent role 
• Level 5 - SCHADS award. Pay Point depending on experience 
• Salary Packaging options available
• Currently located in Prahran

Position overview

This position is responsible for the support and development of VMIAC’s policy and systemic advocacy work. The principle objective of this role is to work as part of a small team and across teams to:

• write submissions, position papers as well as provide quality policy advice to government, sector and the community.
• support stakeholder and partner relationships.
• communicate VMIAC policy positions as a representative at external events and meetings.
• undertake consultations and focus groups with consumers and other stakeholders on policy issues.
• provide support to projects as required.

THIS IS A LIVED EXPERIENCE, CONSUMER POSITION

Applicants must be people with lived experience of mental health challenges, trauma or emotional distress and/or who have accessed mental health or other related services specifically to support their mental well-being.

Applicants must consider themselves to be work ready; be capable of reflecting on how their own lived experience interacts with that of others; and be able to contribute to the development and implementation of collaborative ways of working.

Specific Responsibilities

Policy:

• Undertake policy writing and analysis - producing papers, reports, submissions within tight timelines and provide high quality policy advice to Government, and the mental health and human services sector.
• Advise the Director and CEO on issues and opportunities arising in the policy and reform landscape that are relevant to the Strategic Plan.
• Advise the Director and CEO on policy issues and brief them as requested.
• Design and facilitate consultations and focus groups with consumers and other stakeholders on policy issues.
• Create policy consultation and organisational surveys when required.
• Work in partnership across internal program staff to consult with and integrate consumer input into policy documents.
• Support the development of technical content as required for resource development, campaigns and projects.
• Develop a workplan and implement it.

• Present VMIAC policy perspectives in meetings with government, mental health system stakeholders and at conferences as requested.
• Support the work of the VMIAC committee of management policy working group.
• Support the evaluation of policy processes and activities.

Projects:

• Provide technical policy advice to campaigns and media responses.
• Support projects across teams as required.

Organisational:

• To comply with VMIAC Code of Conduct, working to create a safe, supportive, and happy workplace.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of diversity, culture, and human rights.
• Be aware of current policy as VMIAC has a responsibility to maintain current policy.
• To actively participate in relevant meetings and consumer forums as required.
• Actively contribute to Workplace Health and Safety by taking reasonable care for personal health and safety and that of others in the workplace; raising suggestions and concerns as they arise to ensure a safe work environment for employees, consumers, and visitors

Teamwork and Communication:

• Work collaboratively as required with other members of the VMIAC team including attending and contributing to scheduled meetings.
• Actively contribute to Workplace Health and Safety by taking reasonable care for personal health and safety and that of others in the workplace; raising suggestions and concerns as they arise to ensure a safe work environment for employees, consumers, and visitors.
• Complete tasks as assigned and requested by management.

Planning and advice:

• Report on projects as required
• Provide input into the program area business planning
• Provide administrative support to relevant sub-committees of the Committee of Management.

Key Selection Criteria (to be addressed in application)

Applicants, please respond to each of the criteria below in your application

• Proven experience and skills in mental health, human services policy writing and analysis, including producing papers, reports, and submissions within tight timelines.
• A sound understanding of consumer movement principles, codesign and coproduction
• Demonstrated experience supporting internal stakeholders (across teams) and external sector stakeholders.
• Have a strong working knowledge of Victorian mental health policy and relevant legislation.
• Strong written communication and public presentation/facilitation skills
• Confidence working and consulting with diverse communities, particularly LGBTIQA+, people of refugee backgrounds, people with a disability and First Nations peoples.
• Current Police Check and Working with Children Check
• A relevant degree in social sciences, health, law, or community development that included clear policy learning outcomes or subjects.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the non-profit, health and human services sectors and/or in a designated consumer role
• A current Victorian Driver's Licence and willingness to travel for work

Remuneration and benefits

In return for your passion for mental health reform, lived experience expertise, and significant contribution you will have access to unique professional development opportunities and receive an attractive salary package which includes:

• SCHADS Base Salary Level 5 banding ($49.28/hour - $51.51/hour) + Super (11.5%)
• Four weeks annual leave + Gifted leave between Christmas and New Year
• 90mins per month of wellbeing leave
• Generous Annual Professional Development Allowance
• Salary packaging an additional $15,900 per annum + $2,500 Meals and Entertainment per annum
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• From Jan 2025: Newly fitted out office space with access to onsite gym facilities and green space (close to South Melbourne market and public transport)

References and checks, probationary period

• Preferred candidates are required to complete and/or provide Police and Working with Children checks prior to final confirmation and commencement of employment.
• Referees are required and will be contacted for short listed applicants
• This role is subject to a probationary period of six months.

Support and development

VMIAC will provide regular supervision and mentoring to the person in this role. All VMIAC roles include training and development opportunities, which can include the development of leadership and other required skills and attendance at conferences.

For enquiries relating to this position, please contact HR Officer, Melissa Jones [email protected], using the subject line: Policy Projects Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.