Policy & Advisory Officer, Prevention, Policy & Inclusion / Lived Experience Strategy & Policy

About this role

About the role: 

The Policy & Advisory Officer, Lived Experience (Mental Health Family/Carer) is part of the Lived Experience Strategy & Policy team in the Lived Experience and Diverse Communities Unit and is responsible for providing high quality strategic lived experience policy advice, research and analysis across the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division. The Policy and Advisory Officer ensures the perspectives of families, carers and supporters of people with mental health challenges and psychological distress are central to the design, delivery, and review of mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) policies, programs and services.
This role reflects the Royal Commission's recommendation that the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division employs people with lived or living experience in multiple, substantive positions.

The role is a critical part of the Division's work in:

• Implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, through the provision of family, carer and supporter perspectives across the reform agenda
  
• Embedding families, carers and supporters in the design, delivery, and review of services across the mental health and wellbeing and AOD systems
• Elevating lived experience leadership and promoting the value of families, carers and supporters.
  

To be successful in this role, you will be a high performing team member with analytical, strategic planning, project management, and communication skills. Success in this role will be predicated on the ability to work collaboratively with staff across the division and with sector partners to ensure outcomes are achieved.

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:

• Support Mental Health and Wellbeing Division staff in partnership activity and partnering with people with lived and living experience as families/carers in the implementation of the Royal Commission's recommendations.
• Support the cultural shift and practices that will enable the views of families/carers to be central to the design and delivery of mental health policies, programs and services.
• Monitor and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present reports, ministerial briefs, Cabinet and agency submissions.
• Maintain an understanding of Commonwealth and State legislative and policy reform directions to influence policy development.
• Provide authoritative advice, reasoned recommendations and innovative solutions to complex and sensitive issues based on comprehensive research.

Qualifications/Specialist Expertise:

• (Mandatory requirement) - This is a designated family/carer lived experience role which requires declared personal experience of supporting someone living with mental health challenges or psychological distress, and professional experience working with this expertise in roles which represent the family/carer perspective.
  This role requires experience (paid or volunteer) in working or leading from a family/carer lived experience perspective.
• A tertiary qualification in fields related to mental health, public health, public policy, community engagement, project management, AOD, communications, administration, business management or related fields would be an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in government would be desirable.

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.