The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on
supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with
communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and
wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.
About the role:
The Manager – Lived Experience Strategy & Policy leads the Lived Experience Policy team in the Lived Experience and Diverse Communities Unit and is responsible for providing high quality strategic lived experience policy advice, research and analysis to the Director, Lived Experience and across the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division. The Manager ensures the perspectives of consumers and families/carers and supporters of people with mental health challenges and psychological distress are central to the design, delivery, and review of mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) policies, programs and services.
This role reflects the Royal Commission's recommendation that the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division employs people with lived or living experience in multiple, substantive positions.
The role is a critical part of the Division's work in:
- Implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, through the provision of consumer, family/carer and supporter perspectives across the reform agenda
- Embedding consumers, families/carers and supporters in the design, delivery, and review of services across the mental health and wellbeing and AOD systems
- Elevating lived experience leadership and promoting the value of consumers, and families/carers and supporters.
About us:
At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.
We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.
About you:
Can you demonstrate the following?
- Provide advice to the Director, Lived Experience and Diverse Communities, and Mental Health and Wellbeing Division staff on the lived experience of consumers and families/carers within the mental health and wellbeing system.
- Support Mental Health and Wellbeing Division staff in partnership activity and partnering with people with lived and living experience in the implementation of the Royal Commission's recommendations.
- Provides advice on a diverse range of initiatives relating to the lived experience of consumers and families/carers within the mental health and wellbeing and AOD system.
- Identifies emerging issues, risk and trends impacting on the successful achievement of key business objectives and imperatives and provide high quality intelligence and sound recommendations based on comprehensive research and investigations.
- Draft and develop material including the preparation of Cabinet and Cabinet related material, Ministerial and Secretary briefings and meeting papers, agendas, minutes and reports.
- Subject matter expert that conceptualises, initiates, implements, promotes and evaluates complex and innovative technical programs
Qualifications / Specialist Expertise
- A tertiary qualification in fields related to mental health, public health, public policy, community engagement, project management, AOD, communications, administration, business management or related fields would be an advantage.
- This is a designated lived experience role which requires declared personal experience of mental health challenges or psychological distress and/or AOD issues that have disrupted their life, or personal experience supporting someone living with mental health challenges or psychological distress and/or AOD issues, and professional experience (paid or vol
unteer) in using this experience in roles which represent either a consumer or family/carer perspective for collective benefit.
- Knowledge and experience in government would be desirable.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
- A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service.
- A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.
How to apply:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.
If you have any queries in relation to participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications from third parties cannot be accepted. If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person listed on the advertisement directly.
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