Category: Blog

Advocacy Program Officer (full-time role, fixed term for 2 years with the possibility of extension)

SCHADS L4, $43.08-$46.35/hour plus super

Can you help us champion health rights for everyone in the WA community?

We are seeking an experienced database administrator with an eye for detail to join our individual advocacy team on fixed-term contract for 2 years. There is a possibility this role could be extended, subject to funding.

It can be difficult for consumers and patients to navigate the Western Australian health system, or to give feedback if they are unhappy with any aspect of their healthcare experience. This role supports the Advocates who support health consumers to have their voice heard within the WA health system, by ensuring high quality data collection and reporting, and providing general program support.

The role offers:

• The opportunity to be a part of a workplace that is driven by championing consumer health rights
• A welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves
• A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity to work from home occasionally
• Additional leave entitlements

About you:

• You’re looking for a role where you can apply your database administration and management experience to drive social justice
• You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
• You thrive working in a fast paced agile environment working across multiple projects

Position Overview

This position is responsible for providing program support across HCC’s Individual Advocacy program, in particular ensuring that we continue to maintain the highest standards of data integrity and knowledge management through the use of our CRM (customer relationship management) database. This role is key to ensuring high quality data and information to support accurate reports including identifying themes from consumer queries to enable us to champion systemic change.

The role also includes general program administration, responding to advocacy queries by telephone and email, and assisting with reception when required.

A typical week might see you:

• Contacting consumers from the advocacy waitlist as a first point of contact
• Extracting reports from the CRM database to inform funding reports or grant applications
• Making changes to the CRM database to enable high quality and consistent data collection and management
• Supporting team members to implement new data management practices
• Working with consumers to complete Freedom of Information requests and consent forms

Click here to see the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Diversity and inclusion

At Health Consumers’ Council we know that strength comes from diverse perspectives being at the table. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and identities, people with disability and LGBTIQA+ community members.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role, including database administration
2. Well-developed analytical skills, with the ability to extract, manipulate and analyse quantitative and qualitative data
3. Well-developed interpersonal and verbal skills, with a demonstrated ability to support colleagues to implement new ways of working
4. Excellent organisational skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to manage and prioritise deadlines and own workload with limited supervision
5. Demonstrated ability to use initiative and solve problems within own area of responsibility
6. Willing and able to work flexibly in a small team and “muck in” as required
7. Be adept, or be able to quickly become adept in, a range of office software programs including Microsoft Office 365 Suite, relational databases such as MS Dynamics, and project management software

 Desirable

1. Background in data visualization and reporting
2. Change management experience and knowledge
3. Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, and navigate difficult conversations when required

To apply for the position

Send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Fiona Leece our recruitment partner at jobs@capitalhr.com.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

• The closing date for applications is 8am on Monday 2 December 2024

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Tania Harris, Engagement and Advocacy Manager on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 2) or email Fiona Leece our recruitment partner at jobs@capitalhr.com.au

To see other jobs we’re advertising click here

Advocate/Senior Advocate (either 1 full-time role, or 2 part-time roles, fixed term for 2 years with the possibility of extension)

SCHADS L5-L6, depending on experience $49.28-$53.84 plus super

Can you help us champion health rights for everyone in the WA community?

We are seeking a skilled and passionate health advocate to join our individual advocacy team on fixed-term contract for 2 years. We are looking to appoint either one person to a full-time role, or two people to part-time roles. There is a possibility these roles could be extended, subject to funding.

It can be difficult for consumers and patients to navigate the Western Australian health system, or to give feedback if they are unhappy with any aspect of their healthcare experience. This role supports health consumers in having their voice heard within the WA health system, while assisting individuals to navigate the health system and assert their rights, and provides assistance through the complaints process when needed.

The role offers:

• The ability to make an impact in individuals’ health journeys, and their experiences of the WA health system
• The opportunity to be a part of a workplace that is driven by championing consumer health rights
• A welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves
• Externally facilitated team supervision
• A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity to work from home sometimes
• Additional leave entitlements

About you:

• You’re looking for a role where you can apply your skills in advocacy and health rights to work that you care about
• You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
• You’re comfortable responding to people “where they are”, including when people are expressing distress about their experiences.

Position Overview

This role sits within the individual advocacy team, and although the role functions quite independently, it is well supported by colleagues and the Advocacy Manager. In this role, most of the contact with consumers will be either on the telephone or through e-mail, however, attendance at appointments in the community or in hospitals with consumers is another important facet of this role.

A typical week might see you doing a range of tasks including:

• Contacting consumers from the advocacy waitlist or being the first point of contact with consumers seeking support
• Building advocacy plans with consumers within HCC’s scope and referring consumers to external agencies for issues that fall outside of HCC’s support
• Attending consumer appointments in hospitals, GP practices or at community mental health sites
• Liaising with hospital staff to advocate for consumers in relation to current health needs or retrospective complaints
• Writing letters of complaint addressed to health service providers, in conjunction with consumers
• Writing case notes within our Customer Relation Management system
• Attending team meetings and supervision

See the Advocate job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Diversity and inclusion

At Health Consumers’ Council we know that strength comes from diverse perspectives being at the table. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and identities, people with disability and LGBTIQA+ community members.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Previous experience providing individual advocacy and an understanding of the value of individual advocacy for consumers experiencing issues within the health system and the levers available to achieve advocacy outcomes (if applying as a Senior Advocate, at least 5 years’ experience is required)
2. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to be able to confidently advocate, negotiate, influence, mediate, de-escalate, and develop effective workplace relationships with consumers and other stakeholders
3. An understanding of the social determinants of health, systemic barriers and complex trauma when working with people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, and the ability to operate with a trauma informed lens
4. Ability to work autonomously with strong organisational skills to manage competing priorities simultaneously, in order to meet deadlines
5. Highly developed analysis and report writing and computer skills
6. Good working knowledge of the WA health system, community service organisations and referral pathways

Desirable

1. Tertiary qualification in social or behavioural science (e.g., social work, psychology, sociology), or previous advocacy experience or lived experience in navigating the health system
2. Understanding of the Mental Health Act 2014

To apply for the position

Send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Fiona Leece our recruitment partner at jobs@capitalhr.com.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

• The closing date for applications is 8am on Monday 2 December 2024

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Clare Mullen, Executive Director on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 2) or email Fiona Leece our recruitment partner at jobs@capitalhr.com.au

To see other jobs we’re advertising click here

Systemic Advocacy Engagement Lead (part time, 2 years initially)

SCHADS Level 5-6 depending on experience, $49.28-$53.84 plus super

Can you help us build a social movement in health?

Are you passionate about improving equity and participation in health? Do you love all types of data – including first person stories, other qualitative information and quantitative data – and can weave these together to craft compelling cases for change that prompt action?

Then this might be your perfect role.

Health Consumers’ Council WA

Health Consumers’ Council of WA (HCC) is an independent community-based organisation which was established in 1994, representing the consumer’s voice in health policy, planning, research, and service delivery. We stand for equitable, person-centred, quality healthcare and improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone in Western Australia.

At HCC we believe in people power. Through our engagement and partnerships work, we are building a social movement in health – where the people who use health and healthcare services, and the people who work in them, can work together to identify priorities for improvement and make positive and lasting change.

About the role

This role reports to the Executive Director. You will work with people across the HCC team who work on Aboriginal engagement, cultural diversity engagement, consumer representation and consultation, and individual advocacy.

This role is 0.8 FTE (4 days or 30 hours/week) based between our offices in Mount Lawley and your home.

The role is for an initial period of 2 years, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

The role offers

• The opportunity to ensure diverse consumer perspectives are represented at the highest levels of decision making in health
• The opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• The opportunity to be part of a consumer-first organisation with a focus on improving health equity and championing health rights
• A friendly and supportive team that’s making a tangible difference in the community
• A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 per annum
• Flexible working with the opportunity to work from home regularly when settled in to the role
• Additional leave entitlements

About you

• You’re looking for a role where you can apply your strong analysis and writing skills to advance social justice
• You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
• You’re comfortable advocating for diverse consumer perspectives to senior decision makers – and just as happy to roll your sleeves up and tidy up after an event along with your colleagues

What you’ll be doing

This position synthesises consumer insights and other literature and evidence to write submissions to public consultations and respond to opportunities to promote HCC’s systemic advocacy agenda as they arise. You will gather input from health consumers, carers, community members and people with lived experience to inform and create submissions and engaging informative content that is distributed across a number of platforms including social media, email, web and online and hard copy publications and materials. You will also participate in a number of high level committees across WA Health representing diverse consumer views.

A typical week might see you:

• Hosting a focus group with consumers on a specific topic to inform HCC’s submission to a national consultation
• Preparing a submission to a Parliamentary enquiry
• Attending a number of Project Control Group meetings for high profile systemwide reform programs ensuring that diverse consumer perspectives are represented and understood
• Collecting and reviewing a wide range of information – including first person stories, government policies and publications, social media content, data relating to HCC’s individual advocacy and engagement activities – and using this to produce reports using everyday language, for consumers and community members
• Updating the HCC website to inform our members and others about our systemic advocacy activities
• Staying across current issues relating to health and social care, ensuring timely and evidence-based position papers and information is available as needed
• Meeting with counterparts in other health consumer advocacy groups to collaborate for maximum impact

Click here to see the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

What you’ll need to succeed in this role

Essential

1. 3+ years’ experience in a similar role
2. Well-developed analytical skills including the ability to work with and analyse quantitative and qualitative data and present these in a format that is accessible to non-expert audiences
3. Excellent English literacy, writing, editing and proofing skills, able to succinctly and quickly synthesise and present a wide range of information on systemic advocacy issues for a range of audiences including formal policy submissions
4. Ability to quickly synthesise information from a range of sources into accessible engaging content for a range of media including but not limited to social media, media releases, blogs, briefings and articles
5. Knowledge of the Australian health and health system context including the levers for change
6. A belief in the importance of the role of health consumers as partners in the planning, design, monitoring and evaluation of health services
7. Able to confidently and effectively express a diverse range of consumer perspectives in a range of settings including in meetings with senior decision makers, public forums and in written form
8. Able to use a range of software programs including (but not limited to) WordPress, Canva (or other graphic design program), Survey Monkey, Mailchimp, Zoom and Microsoft Office (or the ability to quickly become proficient in these)
9. Experience in organising meetings, workshops or events to gather feedback and insights from consumers and other stakeholders
10. Collaborative working style with an ability and willingness to muck in with other team activities as required
11. The ability to work autonomously and within deadlines, including managing a number of projects at the same time
12. Proactive, reliable and flexible attitude and comfortable working in a fast-paced adaptive environment

Desirable

1. Knowledge and relationships across the WA health system
2. Experience in nurturing and developing online communities
3. Experience in campaigning on social issues

But if you have other skills and experience that you think makes you a great fit for this role, please tell about those too!

Diversity and inclusion

At Health Consumers’ Council we know that strength comes from diverse perspectives being at the table. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and identities, people with disability and LGBTIQA+ community members.

To apply for the position

Send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Fiona Leece our recruitment partner at jobs@capitalhr.com.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

• The closing date for applications is 8am on Monday 2 December 2024

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Clare Mullen, Executive Director on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 2) or email Fiona Leece our recruitment partner at jobs@capitalhr.com.au

To see other jobs we’re advertising click here

Aboriginal Engagement Officer, part time (parental leave cover)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Aboriginal Engagement Officer to join our Engagement Team.

This is a new and important role at the organisation and will be working on a range of engagement activities including providing health rights information and workshops to community groups, facilitating consultations with Aboriginal community on a range of health care topics, promoting our services to community, services and Aboriginal staff.

The role is 3 days a week for an initial 12-month period – covering parental leave.

About you:

• You are someone who loves working with community – including Elders, Aboriginal health consumers, Aboriginal health staff and other stakeholders
• You have great organisational skills, can work as part of small team and manage your own workload while being supported by the organisation
• You want to make a difference to how Aboriginal people experience our health system
• You think in a creative way and make the most of what is available
• You work in a way that builds trust, is trauma informed and understands how important lived experience and consumer voices are when making services better
• You are a person who helps the rest of the team when needed – knowing that the rest of the team will do the same for you
• You will have experience working with a variety of programs like Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint and a CRM and Canva – or be willing to learn

The role offers:

• A high degree of variety – working with Aboriginal community members and staff at all levels in the health and social care system
• The opportunity to be part of a consumer-first organisation with a focus on improving health equity and championing health rights
• A welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves to work
• The opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects and to grow your areas of responsibility as your knowledge and skills develop
• A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
• The opportunity for Cultural Mentoring

A typical week might see you doing a range of tasks:

• Meeting with Aboriginal consumers and staff at a community centre or health service
• Presenting a health rights workshop for Aboriginal consumers
• Actively recruiting Aboriginal consumers for various consumer representative opportunities
• Assisting with planning and delivering a range of events, workshops and activities by organising attendee lists, logistics and catering and consumer payments and enquiries
• Creating and sharing posts on social media guided by senior colleagues
• Attending workshops and events when required to – this may include occasional after hours working
• Liaising with members and organising the Aboriginal Advisory Group meetings
• Managing stakeholder contact details through our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system

See the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
2. Have or be able to obtain a Working with Children Card and a National Police Clearance
3. Experience in a similar role or using similar engagement skills
4. Well-developed people skills
5. Well-developed written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely
6. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage and prioritise deadlines and own workload with limited supervision
7. Comfortable using office software

Desirable

1. A demonstrated interest in the aims and purpose of HCC, for example, experience as a health consumer representative or volunteering in a similar advocacy organisation
2. Experience delivering training and facilitating workshops
3. Experience creating engaging content for social media and website use

To apply for the position

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Tania Harris on 9221 3422 or tania.harris@hconc.org.au using the subject line: Aboriginal Engagement Officer (50D) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

You can view the full job description here.

You can apply for this role via Ethical Jobs.

Applications close on Monday 9 September.