Protecting rights and making a difference to the lives of people with a mental illness
The Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS) is established under Part 20 of the Mental Health Act 2014. It is an independent body providing support, advocacy and rights protection for identified persons, including involuntary mental health patients and psychiatric hostel residents. The Chief Mental Health Advocate (the Chief) engages Senior Mental Health Advocates (Senior Advocates) who supervise Mental Health Advocates, Youth Advocates and other specialist Advocates.
The Chief is looking to engage a Mental Health Advocate to start immediately in Kalgoorlie. Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill this vacancy, it may also be used to fill other 'similar' vacancies for a period of twelve (12) months.
Mental Health Advocate Role
The MHAS teams of Mental Health Advocates have the specific responsibility of advocating for and protecting the rights of people who are made involuntary and/or admitted, referred for psychiatric examination, subject to Custody or Hospital Orders or living in a psychiatric hostel. The role includes individual and systemic advocacy, visiting people in locked mental health wards and emergency departments, representing them in Mental Health Tribunal hearings, writing reports and making presentations. Paid training is provided on commencement.
Mental Health Advocates report to a Senior Advocate based in the West Perth office but primarily work in the inpatient and community mental health services. The Advocate will need to be available to attend meetings and hearings with patients and staff during working hours, sometimes at short notice, but they can also schedule some patient meetings for evenings and weekends.
Contracts may be issued for a maximum of 3 years and can be extended.
How to Apply
Please review the attached documents for further information:
- Applicant Information Package, detailing how to apply.
- Job Description and Work-Related Requirements, noting that requirements 1, 2 and 3 must be addressed in written applications.
- Terms and Conditions of Engagement of Mental Health Advocates - refer also to the Code of Conduct and Payments and Availability Protocol.
To be considered for interview, applicants must submit:
- a resume which summarises your relevant experience
- a brief statement addressing Work Related Requirements 1, 2 and 3 (the requirements are found in the Job Description and Work Related Requirements document).
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 Employee Services on 13 44 77 for assistance during business hours.
For additional job related information, you are encouraged to contact Donna Turner on (08) 6234 6300 for a confidential discussion or send an email enquiry to mhas.recruitment@mhas.wa.gov.au
Emailed and late applications will not be accepted.