Mental Health Advocate - General And Youth

VCID 906662

About the Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS)

MHAS is an independent service providing advocacy, support, and rights protection for people receiving, or at risk of receiving, involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act 2014 (the Act), people living in psychiatric hostels and some other people identified under the Act.

We are currently seeking to engage Mental Health Advocates in the Perth metropolitan area (General and Youth) with training set to commence in early October 2024.

About the role

MHAS is seeking to recruit a number of General Mental Health Advocatesand YouthMental Health Advocates to fill immediate vacancies. Applicants should identify the position (General or Youth) they are applying for.

Mental Health Advocates assist people (including children and young people) receiving Mental Health services in Western Australia. Advocates help to amplify their voices, so their views and preferences are not only heard but respected. Advocates negotiate relationships within and across services with skill, patience, and persistence to ensure people understand and access their rights under the Act. They work to enhance peoples’ experience of treatment, care, and support, and improve recovery outcomes.

Mental Health Advocates visit hospitals, Mental Health clinics and/or psychiatric hostels. Service delivery hours are not “9 to 5” and can be very flexible. There will be times when you may need to be available at short notice.

This is a contract for service role with negotiable service delivery volume. It is preferred that applicants have availability to work at least 3 days per week. 

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments may be made when similar vacancies occur. Appointments may be made from this pool until 31/10/2026.  

To find out more about the role: Please contact Victoria Gwilliams on 08 6234 6***.

About the right candidate

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Are passionate about social justice and human rights.
• Have a genuine interest in advocating for people living with Mental Health issues.
• Enjoy working in a range of dynamic and fast paced environments.
• Have a resilient, positive, can-do attitude.

What you will also need

• Knowledge of, and/or experience dealing with Mental Health issues and contemporary concepts and a strong commitment to human rights.
• Qualifications, training and/or experience relevant to children and young people and Mental Health (Youth only)
• High level communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with people from all walks of life.
• High level advocacy, negotiation, and investigative skills in a range of situations.
• Good letter and report writing skills.
• Good organisational and time management skills to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
• Good computer skills.
• Strong commitment to working ethically with integrity, professionalism, and commitment.

Additionally, successful applicants will also require:

• A National Police Clearance upon appointment.
• A Working with Children Check upon appointment if requested.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements including some time spent working from home.
• Training on commencement.
• Practice development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Contracts of Engagement of up to 3 years, with the possibility of further extension.
• A vibrant team of like-minded people who are passionate about rights protection and treating all people with dignity and respect.
• The incredibly rewarding opportunity of being able to create positive change on an individual and systemic level in the Mental Health sector.

How to Apply

To be considered for interview, applicants must submit:

1. Resume which summarises your relevant experience.
2. Cover letter that addresses all service-related requirements (found in the Service Delivery Specification document). Maximum length of 4 pages, and;
3. Completed application Form.

These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to attach your documentation.

If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Health Support Services – IT department (Option 1) on 13 44 77 for assistance during business hours.

Applications close at 4pm on 16 July 2024.

Please note that emailed and late applications will not be accepted, and applications that do not include the required three documents will not be considered.

MHAS is committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. People with different experiences, skills and backgrounds including people with lived experience or disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ and people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For further information, please refer to the following:

• Applicant Information Package, detailing how to apply.
• Service Delivery Specification, noting that the service-related requirements must be addressed in your cover letter.
• Terms and Conditions of Engagement of Mental Health Advocates.
• Application form, which must be submitted with the application.