About the role: 

The Senior Consumer Lead is part of the Consumer Engagement team within the Safety Branch at Safer Care Victoria (SCV). The role reports to the Manager, Consumer Engagement and Partnerships and works closely with the team and across SCV to support the delivery of functions, particularly projects and initiatives involving consumer participation or a co-design approach.

The Senior Consumer Lead works in close partnership with the Senior Consumer Partnerships Officer and the Consumer Engagement team, providing leadership, guidance, and system-level oversight to ensure consumer perspectives are embedded consistently across SCV's agenda. While the Senior Consumer Partnerships Officer focuses on the operational delivery of engagement activities, co-design projects, and responding to consumer feedback, the Senior Consumer Lead plays a complementary and supportive role by shaping strategy, elevating insights, and ensuring alignment with SCV's broader safety priorities. Further, the Consumer Lead will liaise directly with consumer networks and individuals to provide support and capability building, and work with the lived and living experience roles in the Improvement branch to elevate these voices and their role in partnering in healthcare. Together, these roles will work to connect the day-to-day work of consumer engagement and lived and living experience with the strategic direction of the organisation, strengthening SCV's ability to deliver meaningful, person-centred improvements across the Victorian health system.

The Senior Consumer Lead plays a pivotal role in shaping projects in SCV by providing strategic consumer insights and expert guidance in the design, delivery and implementation of key initiatives. This position actively contributes to project teams and meetings to ensure consumer perspectives are deeply integrated into program delivery.

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:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline such as Health Sciences, Public Health, Community Engagement, Consumer Advocacy, Health Policy, or a related field is required. 
• Equivalent substantial professional experience in stakeholder engagement, co-design methodologies, or health system partnership development may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

• Postgraduate qualification in Health Services Management, Public Health, Community Engagement, or Policy Development is highly regarded. 

• Formal training or certification in stakeholder engagement, co-design, project management, or systems thinking (e.g., IAP2, Lean, or equivalent) is advantageous. 

• Demonstrated advanced knowledge and practical application of engagement frameworks and co-design methodologies within complex health systems. 
• Strong expertise in embedding lived experience and consumer perspectives into safety and quality improvement initiatives. 
• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating inclusive engagement strategies that involve diverse stakeholders, including marginalized and priority populations. 
• Proven ability to manage complex partnership projects and engagement initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and measurable impact. 
• Skilled in building and sustaining collaborative relationships with internal teams, consumers, clinicians, health services, and external partners to foster trust and shared purpose. 
• Demonstrated capability providing expert advice and developing resources that support meaningful and authentic consumer and clinician engagement across system-wide safety programs. 

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 & Sector.
• 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 inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. 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 recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.  

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.