Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA) is the peak body for consumers of mental health services in WA. As a community based not for profit organisation, CoMHWA understands, listens and acts upon the voice of consumers of mental health and the wider community.

About the role

The Senior Policy and Research Officer reports to the Advocacy Manager, providing support and timely advice to the Systemic Advocacy team in relation to National and State level issues that impact mental health Consumers in Western Australia. This position works collaboratively across the organisation, and closely with other key stakeholders and sector colleagues.

As a writer and researcher, you will develop evidence-based policy submissions with the Advocacy Manager and CEO; influencing progressive outcomes for people with a lived experience of mental health challenges in WA. You will represent CoMHWA, and the lived experience consumer movement, on various external committee/taskforce/steering groups throughout the sector.

You will undertake special projects under the direction of the CEO including grant writing, program monitoring and evaluation and delivery of specialist training to internal and external stakeholders.

In this busy environment, you will be supported by an organisation made up of various subject-matter experts, from the Peer Workforce, to system navigation, education and training, and systemic advocacy. Your writing will be informed by on-going Consumer and sector engagement, focus groups, live issues tracking, and contemporary research methods.

Mental health is a fast-moving sector, and this role will come with great variety and may see you lend a helping hand on projects and events throughout the year in addition to regular duties.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• It is a genuine occupational qualification of this position to have a lived experience of mental health/social and emotional wellbeing issues and recovery in accordance with section 66(s)(c) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to develop and contribute to high-quality written materials such as submissions, position papers, briefing notes, grant applications, reports and letters.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated planning and organisational skills, especially in relation to meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills in order to develop strategies, ideas and opportunities for resolving issues.
• Ability to work with, support and influence Peers.
• Experience in program monitoring and evaluation.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience utilising lived experience of mental health issues in the workplace in order to bring about change.
• Understanding of the mental health sector and/or the consumer movement.

A position description is attached.