VCID No. 724420
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, Kalgoorlie and
Geraldton. Training for successful applicants is expected to
commence in June/July 2026.
About the Role
Mental Health Advocates support people who are identified under
the Act. Advocates work alongside individuals to help ensure their
voices are heard and their views and preferences are respected.
They work to enhance peoples’ experience of treatment, care and
support, and improve recovery outcomes.
In this role, you will:
- Amplify the voices of people and promote their rights under
the Act.
- Advocate within and across mental health services to
support respectful, person-centred and recovery‑oriented
care.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with
clinicians, services, and other stakeholders.
- Work to resolve issues and complaints.
- Conduct investigations into matters relating to the
delivery and conditions of mental health services.
- Work with professionalism, persistence, and sensitivity in
complex and sometimes challenging situations.
Mental Health Advocates deliver services in hospitals, and
mental health clinics. Service delivery hours can be flexible
and are not limited to standard “9 to 5” work patterns. At times,
you may need to be available at short notice during weekdays to
respond to advocacy needs.
This is a contract for service role with a preferred minimum
availability of 0.6–0.8 FTE (approximately 23–30 hours per
week).
Applicants assessed as suitable but not appointed may be placed
in a pool for future opportunities.
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 26/07/2027
For further information about the role, please contact Fiona
Tolley‑Risch on (08) 6234 6300.
About You
We would love to hear from you if you:
- Are passionate about social justice, human rights, and
dignity for all people.
- Have a genuine interest in advocating for people
experiencing mental health issues.
- Enjoy working in a range of dynamic and fast paced
environments.
- Bring professionalism, resilience, initiative, and a
practical, solutions-focused approach to your work.
What You Will Need
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of, and/or experience dealing with mental health
issues and contemporary concepts and a strong commitment to
human rights.
- 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 ethical practice, integrity and
professionalism.
Successful applicants will also be required to obtain:
- A National Police Clearance; and
- A Working with Children Check (only Geraldton and
Kalgoorlie).
What We Offer
- Flexible working arrangements, including opportunities to
work from home.
- Comprehensive training on commencement and ongoing practice
development.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
- Contracts of Engagement of up to three years, with the
possibility of extension.
- Supportive, values‑driven teams committed to rights
protection and respectful practice.
- The opportunity to make meaningful individual and systemic
change within the mental health sector
How to Apply
To be considered for interview, applicants must submit all of
the following:
- Curriculum Vitae outlining relevant skills and
experience.
- Cover letter addressing all service‑related requirements
outlined in the Service Delivery Specification document
(maximum four pages).
- Completed Application Form.
All documents must be prepared and attached as part of the
online application process. Please allow sufficient time to
complete your application.
If you experience technical difficulties, please contact Health
Support Services – IT (Option 1) on 13 44 77 during business
hours.
Applications close at 5.00 pm on
Tuesday 28 April 2026, with interviews planned for late
April/early May 2026.
Late or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Applications that do not include the three required
documents will not be considered.
MHAS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
We encourage applications from people with lived experience or
disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+
people, and people from all cultural and linguistic
backgrounds.
Further information is available in the:
- Applicant Information Package
- Service Delivery Specification
- Terms and Conditions of Engagement of Mental Health
Advocates
- Application Form
