• Full time ongoing position (part-time applications considered)
• Salary range: 98,902 - 123,624 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model including visiting mental health units and clinics

About the role
This role supervises and supports a team of First Nations Advocates based in Geelong, Melbourne, Dandenong and Shepparton, to ensure delivery of high-quality non-legal advocacy services to First Nations people at risk of or on compulsory treatment orders, to understand and exercise their rights and to enable them to participate in decisions about their treatment, care and recovery as well support their access to culturally safe social and wellbeing services.

It also provides expert advice to staff on engaging and working with First Nations communities. This role will also connect with First Nations organisations and communities to increase awareness of IMHA.

This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

This role can be based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country or Geelong office on Wadawurrung Country or Dandenong office on Wurundjeri, Bunurong and Boon Wurrung Country or Shepparton Office on Yorta Yorta and Bangerang Country.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Demonstrated skills in people management and leadership skills to support a First Nations team to work effectively together.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with First Nations consumers, various First Nations stakeholders and organisations, including Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS).
• Sound knowledge of the issues affecting First Nations consumers and the ability to ‘stand up' and champion on behalf of First Nations consumers.
• Knowledge of relevant policy and legal frameworks including the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 (Vic), Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and how they inform practice.

This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About IMHA
IMHA is the primary non legal advocacy provider in Victoria and responsible for the opt out registry. We provide non legal advocacy services to people subject to Compulsory Treatment and at risk. We do this by attending Mental Health services both hospitals and clinics to provide services to consumers. We also provide rights groups to consumers, information sessions to consumers and services and supported decision making training to the mental health workforce.

We are part of VLA who has over 1300 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria and assist people with their legal and non legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best support the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club(and salary package the cost)
• Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Belinda Foley, First Nations Senior Advocate on (03) 9280 3708 or Renee Rao, Recruitment Specialist on [email protected].

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.

Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.