about the opportunity

Recommendation 29 of the Royal Commission into Mental Health services in Victoria recommended establishing an agency led by people with living/lived experience (the Agency).

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of Health has funded VMIAC and SHARC to conduct the initial two phases of establishing the Agency. The Department of Health is implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System and AOD integrated framework and is helping set the foundations for transformative change.

The Senior Project Officer will be required to work closely and collaboratively with the Project Lead Officer who will be employed by SHARC. The work undertaken will be in alignment with an identified and agreed project plan and will reflect the intent of the Royal Commission into elevating the voice and leadership for living and lived experience.

The Lead Partner in the project is identified as VMIAC, however the partnership is one of equal participation. VMIAC is seeking to recruit a Senior Project Officer who will work with a SHARC Project Lead Officer, a SHARC consultant; and a VMIAC consultant; and other partners identified for the agency formation steering group.

This project is founded on the principles of co-design and evidence base.

Position overview

This is a living / lived experience consumer position.

Applicants must have living or lived experience of mental health challenges, emotional distress, trauma and/or neurodiversity and of being a 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.

Salary: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010, Level 7.1. Salary packaging offered.

The role of the Senior Project Officer is to work closely with the SHARC Project Lead Officer to ensure that the project is delivered in consultation with partners and other stakeholders.

Broadly the Senior Project Officer will, in working closely with the SHARC Project Lead Officer:

• Ensure the project plan is developed and finalised with the project team.
• Ensure the establishment of the Agency Formation Group, working closing with the SHARC consultant, and the VMIAC consultant.
• Ensure the co-design process is initiated to consult widely with sectors about the form and role of the Agency, engaging with a diverse profile of consumers and consumer leaders.
• Ensure the recommendations for Phase 2 of the project are developed, including project plan, budget, and staffing.

This position allows for flexible working location by negotiation.

next steps

Please direct any enquiries to Craig Wallace CEO of VMIAC via email or phone, at: [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Project Officer - Lived Experience Agency enquiry via EthicalJobs, Rec 29 Application. You can also reach Craig Wallace at: 0499 176 939.

To submit your application, click Apply Now. 

A position description is attached.