About VMIAC

VMIAC is the peak Victorian non-government organisation for people with lived experience of mental health issues or emotional distress. We work from a rights-based perspective.

Our vision is a world where all mental health consumers stand proud, live a life with choices honoured, rights upheld, and these principles are embedded in all aspects of society.

We undertake individual, group and systemic advocacy and our work includes research and evaluation, education and training, information provision and resource development, as well as limited specialist support programs. We have a strong and continuous focus on engagement with members, and on informing and supporting them in becoming empowered and having their voices heard.

VMIAC is owned, governed, managed, and staffed by people with a lived experience. We aim to be an organisation in which the diversity of people with a lived experience can meaningfully and powerfully contribute and the employer of choice for the mental health lived experience workforce. We know that by working well together we become a true force for systems change and reshaping consumer experience. We work from a human rights perspective.

Find out more about us here.

Position overview

The NDIS Information and Support Worker role provides information, advice, referrals and time-limited advocacy support to Victorians who are experiencing barriers and challenges in relation to their engagement with and utilisation of the NDIS.

The position is:

• Starting as soon as possible
• Contract position until 30th June 2024 - position is subject to funding
• SCHADS Level 4 position, plus superannuation
• 1 FTE (flexible options for less days / job share)
• Salary Packaging options are available

VMIAC's Project Activity

The NDIS Information and Support Program is key part of VMIAC’s NDIS Advocacy Services and works alongside and with VMIAC’s NDIS Appeals Program in order to provide timely and expert lived-experience support to NDIS Participants with a psychosocial disability.

THIS IS A LIVED EXPERIENCE, CONSUMER POSITION

Applicants must have lived experience of mental health issues and/or emotional distress and consumer of mental health services. Applicants will receive supervision and support but must be work ready and able to fulfil all requirements of the role.

key requirements

NDIS Information and Support

To respond quickly and professionally to enquiries from consumers seeking assistance, providing information, resources and time-limited goal specific coaching and advocacy on a range of issues relating to the NDIS.

VMIAC’s NDIS Information and Support Service is staffed and led by people with lived experience. Our NDIS Information and Support Service program delivers short-term, goal-focused education and support to consumers, utilising a self-advocacy, strengths-based capacity building approach.

• Signposting and referring consumers to needed supports and services
• Providing single issue-based advocacy support for consumers
• Providing information and education to participants and their supports about the NDIS
• Up-skilling consumers to self-advocate with the NDIA and NDIS provider services
• Assisting consumers with NDIS complaints and feedback processes including, NDIS Complaints and Feedback, NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission and the Victorian Disability Worker Commission

• Networking with services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria, and when required referring consumers to services better equipped to meet their needs
• Providing up to date information about the NDIS to consumers. Maintaining current knowledge about NDIS legislation, policy and practice are current enabling high-quality advocacy support to individuals and their networks.

NDIS Enquiries Help Desk

• Answering of enquiries that come through the NDIS Help Desk, providing assistance and support to consumers and their supports where possible
• Provide intake and triaging of NDIS related calls and inquiries from community members, assessing and categorising the urgency of calls and allocating resources and responses to ensure all callers receive timely follow up and support

Administration

• Confidentially document and record all contacts and engagements on the VMIAC database in line with record keeping requirements and with permission from the consumer

Teamwork and Communication

• Support the implementation of strategic projects as directed
• Attend weekly NDIS Program meetings and monthly VMIAC all staff meetings
• Contribute to the team meetings and other forums as appropriate, providing information and feedback
• Embrace the Code of Conduct working to create a safe, supportive and happy workplace
• Respecting boundaries, provide peer support to colleagues where it is safe to do so
• 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.

Special Conditions

• VMIAC is state-wide organisation and regional /rural travel may be required to meet with service providers, agencies and communities.
• Current Police Check and Working with Children Check
• Flexibility to work remotely with 50% work from office in Prahran

Please see PD attached for skills, competencies, behaviours and requirements of the role.

To learn more about VMIAC please check out our website here to learn more about our values, history and vision.

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like more information, please contact Kirsty Pleiter on 0439 198 445 or [email protected], using the subject line: NDIS Information & Support Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Recruitment timeline: Interviews will be held the week following closing date.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

A Position Description is attached below.