Participation Manager - Lived Experience

About the role

Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking an experienced Participation Manager - Lived Experience to lead the Lived Experience Service within Hunter New England Mental Health Service. Based in Newcastle with a district-wide focus, you will manage the Lived Experience Participation Unit alongside the Volunteer Service and the Professional Lead for Peer Work. The role works Mondays and Tuesdays, supporting safe and effective engagement and participation for people with lived experience of mental health issues.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team of two direct reports and work with consumers, carers, clinicians and stakeholders to improve consumer experiences and strengthen systemic advocacy.
• Support participation at individual, service, program and organisational levels.
• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies that make consumers partners in their own care.
• Oversee consumer participation across mental health services and contribute to service redesign and innovation.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in health or social sciences relevant to mental health, or extensive mental health experience, or a combination of both.
• Consumer or carer lived experience of mental illness.
• Demonstrated experience representing consumers and leading teams and projects.
• Knowledge of inpatient, community and rehabilitation mental health services and recovery-oriented care in NSW.

What we offer

• Temporary part-time position until October 2027, 16 hours per week, at $118,821 to $140,201 per year plus salary packaging.
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time), paid parental leave and salary packaging options.
• Fitness Passport with discounted gym options and an Employee Assistance Program.