Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $89,029 - $104,924
Grade: WVR 3.2
Occupation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
Location: Barwon South West - Greater Geelong
Reference: VG/VLA/LPCJLH/1951664
About the role
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) is a non-legal advocacy program.
The First Nations Advocate role provides representational advocacy to First Nations people at risk of or on compulsory treatment orders, assists people to understand and exercise their rights and to enable them to participate in decisions about their treatment, care, and recovery. It also provides expert advice to staff regarding engaging and working with First Nations communities and works closely with internal stakeholders as well as Aboriginal Community Engagement Officers, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service staff, as well as Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, Social and Emotional Wellbeing officers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
This role is based in Geelong on Wadawurrung Country.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.
About VLA
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 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. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.
Employee benefits
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.
For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Keenan Madden, First Nations Senior Advocate at [email protected] or [email protected].
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.59pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
Other relevant information
It is 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. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.