We are seeking a Lived Experience Advocate to join an Individual Advocacy team in a six-month temporary role. This position delivers short-term, single-issue advocacy support using a self-advocacy, strengths-based and capability-building approach.
This is not a case management role. The focus is on empowering people to understand and exercise their rights,particularly within the mental health system so they can make informed decisions and have their voices heard.
The role works with a high level of independence and autonomy while collaborating closely with the Advocacy Lead.
About the Role
You will:
* Support consumers who believe their rights have been breached in their engagement with mental health services
* Work alongside consumers to identify issues, develop advocacy plans, and build self-advocacy skills
* Provide clear, accurate, and current information about rights, options, and systems
* Advocate alongside consumers when requested and appropriate
* Identify and escalate systemic issues to support broader advocacy and reform
* Maintain accurate records and comply with program, legislative, and privacy requirements
The role may also include intake and eligibility assessments through a phone-based service to ensure consumers are supported or referred to the most appropriate service as early as possible.
This Is a Lived Experience Consumer Role
Applicants must identify as having lived experience of mental health challenges, trauma, or emotional distress and have accessed mental health services to support their wellbeing.
You will be able to:
* Reflect on your own lived experience and how it intersects with the experiences of others
* Contribute to collaborative, consumer-led ways of working
* Promote empowerment, dignity, and psychological safety
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver high-quality individual advocacy using a self-advocacy model
* Build strong, respectful relationships through active listening and trust
* Support consumers to understand and exercise their rights
* Make and receive referrals and respond to consumer enquiries
* Maintain accurate and timely documentation and data entry
* Uphold confidentiality and privacy obligations
* Participate in continuous improvement, audits, and program development
* Engage in team meetings, debriefing, mentoring, and professional development
Key Selection Criteria
You will demonstrate:
* Lived experience as a consumer of mental health services
* Commitment to consumer participation, human rights, and social justice
* Experience delivering advocacy using a self-advocacy approach
* Trauma-informed, person-centred, strengths-based practice
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks, including:
o Victorian Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022
o Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
o Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
o United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively
* Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development
Requirements
* Relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g. social work, psychology, law, mental health, community services) or equivalent experience
* Current Police Check and Victorian Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain)
* Victorian Driver's Licence preferred but not essential
* Competency using IT systems such as Office 365 and email
* Understanding of the National Disability Advocacy Program and National Standards for Disability Services (or similar)
If this role is something you would be interested in, please apply below and we will be in touch