WHO WE ARE

Tandem is the Victorian peak body representing family and friends supporting people living with mental health issues. Tandem’s mission is to provide leadership and coordination for the community of individuals and organisations who seek better outcomes for Victorian mental health carers.

SCOPE OF THE POSITION

Tandem’s Senior Project Officer will lead project work and provide guidance for the participation of family and friends in policy, service and systems development across Victoria, consistent with the Lived Experience Engagement Framework DHHS 2018.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

The position is a key part of the team involved in a range of projects, in order to ensure that the diverse voice of family and friends supporting someone with mental health challenges and psychosocial disability across the life span, culture, gender, socioeconomic and rural and regional spectrum are heard by policy makers and stakeholders whilst building our profile and increasing our membership. This work will include providing support for family and friends to participate in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. It will also be part of a team ensuring that families and carers around Victoria are kept up to date with the commission activities and progress, and that they are facilitated to be represented at the commission, both by direct participation and through Tandem’s statements and positioning.

The position works with the team to ensure that carers and stakeholders are well informed about Tandem activities and sector information and utilize information gathered through carer engagement.

The Officer needs to be compassionate and competent in:

• Dealing with complex and sensitive issues.
• Ensuring timely referrals are made to additional appropriate supports.
• Representing Tandem in a professional and appropriate manner.

Key Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in health or related social science field
• Demonstrated knowledge of the mental health system & services
• High-level organisational skills
• Excellent conceptual skills with the capacity to understand complex material
• Experience dealing with a diverse client mix including carers with complex needs
• Research skills
• Excellent problem solving skills; ability to develop solutions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including capacity to develop policy and explanatory reports
• High level computer skills
• A current Victorian Drivers Licence and independent travel capability.

A Position Description is attached.