Search Results for: health information

Job – Advocacy Program Officer, closing date 2 December 8am

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

 

Job – Systemic Advocacy Engagement Lead, closing date 2 December 8am

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

Join our team – Aboriginal Engagement Officer, part-time job, applications close 9 September

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.

An exciting opportunity to join the HCC Board – seeking Expressions of Interest for two Management Committee (Board) vacancies

 

We are now seeking Expressions of Interest for two Management Committee (Board) vacancies.

Health Consumers’ Council was launched by the Minister for Health in 1994 as an independent voice for the community on health policy, planning and decision making and to provide a recognised presence for health consumers. Since then, we have championed and supported thousands of people to assert their rights and have their say on health.

In 2024, our 30th anniversary year, we are renewing our commitment to ensuring a strong presence for consumers and community members in all decisions relating to the health of Western Australians. To do this, we will need to increase the resources available to us so that we can build more capacity in the community and extend our support to more people across WA.

We are a member-led organisation governed by a Management Committee (also known as a Board). Our members share our goals and support our purpose of:

  • amplifying and championing the voices of WA health consumers
  • to drive positive outcomes in health and healthcare
  • and achieve equitable, person-centred, quality healthcare and improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone in Western Australia.

HCC is a registered charity with responsibilities to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission as well as under the WA Associations Incorporation Act 2015. As such, Management Committee members play an important role in ensuring we meet these responsibilities and comply with all governance requirements. Management Committee members are also responsible for the overall strategy of HCC.

This year we have two Management Committee vacancies. These are voluntary positions – with any expenses reimbursed – and require attendance at bi-monthly meetings (usually online), along with representation on one sub-committee (usually monthly meetings).

We are interested to hear from people who bring any of the following perspectives or experience:

  • Aboriginal people
  • People with disability
  • People from the LGBTIQA+ community
  • People aged 18-24
  • People with lived experience and/or networks and connections to people managing health and other related challenges
  • People with experience of managing or working in a growth-stage organisation
  • People with connections in philanthropy and/or community foundation networks
  • People with connections/involvement in health/medical or other human research
  • People with regional experience and/or connections
  • People with skills and experience in social enterprise/fee for service work
  • People with experience in IT strategy planning and development in the non-profit sector
  • Previous NFP Board experience highly desirable but not essential

To be eligible to be a Management Committee member, you need to be a HCC member already, or be willing to become a member (free for individuals).

Want to know more?

On 29 August HCC will be hosting an online information session for people interested to learn more about the role of Management Committee members. In session you’ll have the chance to meet with three current members of the Management Committee, hear more about the role and HCC’s strategy, and find out why nominating to join the HCC Management Committee might be the right option for you.

Register to attend the information session

Submit your EOI by 23 September

Please prepare a brief cover letter outlining your answers to the following questions:

  • Why would you like to become a member of the HCC Management Committee?
  • How will your skills and experience add to the effectiveness of both the HCC Management Committee and HCC?
  • What has been your experience as a health consumer or a health consumer representative?
  • What do you see as being the key strategic issues facing HCC over the next five years?

Submit your letter, along with a current CV, to:

Rebecca Smith, Head of Strategic Projects via Rebecca.smith@hconc.org.au

What happens next?

Shortlisting by the Nominations and Governance Committee will take place on 1 October. We may invite potential nominees to meet with Board members and the final list of nominees will be approved by the Management Committee by the end of October. If there are more than two nominees, a vote by members will occur at the Annual General Meeting in early December.

Join our team – Project and Program Support Officer, full-time job, closing date – 8am Monday 8 July 2024

To help us achieve our vision of improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone, driven by strong health consumer voices at every level of decision making in health, we are growing our small but mighty team.

Project and Program Support Officer, full-time, permanent

We are seeking a highly organised Project and Program Support Officer who loves people and being in a fast paced environment with lots of variety. The role plays a valuable part in supporting a range of projects, as well as being the first port of call for people connecting with Health Consumers’ Council. This role will be full-time, although 30 hours/week may be considered if able to work them across five days of the week Monday – Friday.

The role offers:

  • A high degree of variety – working with diverse 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
  • Additional leave entitlements

About you:

  • You’re looking for a role where you can apply your communication and administration skills to do work that you care about
  • You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
  • You’re happy to muck in and enjoy working on a range of different projects and with different teams simultaneously

Position overview

This role provides project, general and executive administration support across all areas of HCC, working under minimal supervision to ensure the effective and smooth running of our small hybrid workplace. A proactive, collaborative and hands-on approach is needed for our agile and adaptable organisation, which has the consumer experience and voice at its heart.

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

  • Assisting with project tracking and coordination using our project management system
  • 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
  • Stepping in to help with projects and liaise with clients when required
  • Attending workshops and events when required to – this may include occasional after hours working
  • Greeting visitors to our offices, responding to our reception phone calls, and responding to emails through our main inbox
  • Managing the training room and equipment register
  • Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and recording minutes
  • Managing stakeholder contact details through our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
  • General office admin including organising travel and accommodation
  • Generating simple reports and analysis from existing systems including data entry
  • Providing executive support to the Executive Director, including managing diary requests

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

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role working across multiple business functions, including project administration
  2. Well-developed interpersonal and verbal skills, with a demonstrated understanding of the sensitivity and empathy needed when communicating with vulnerable community members
  3. Well-developed written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely for internal and external use
  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. Ability to plan and manage large meetings and events eg Annual General Meeting or similar
  7. Be adept, or be able to quickly become adept in, a range of office software programs including Microsoft Office 365 Suite, project management software, and accounting 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 creating engaging content for social media and website use, and experience using Mailchimp.
  3. An understanding of the community services and not for profit sector
  4. 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 of no more than two pages outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.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 has been extended to 8am on Monday 8 July 2024.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Aimee Riddell, Corporate Services Lead on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 2) or email Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au

Click here to download the information on this page as a document

 

Join our team – Office and Executive Support Manager part-time job, closing date – 8am Monday 1 July 2024

To help us achieve our vision of improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone, driven by strong health consumer voices at every level of decision making in health, we are growing our small but mighty team.

Office and Executive Support Manager, part-time (4 days), permanent

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced manager who loves “sorting things out” and thrives on the variety of working across a range of responsibilities and projects.

This role is critical to the smooth functioning of the whole organisation. The Office and Executive Support Manager provides expert level administrative and governance support to the Executive Director, Leadership Team and the Management Committee (Board) and helps us to ensure the best use of the resources entrusted to HCC to deliver the best possible outcomes for the WA community.

The role offers:

  • A high degree of variety – working across all areas of HCC’s work and playing a key role in building our internal capability enabling us to extend our impact
  • 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
  • A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
  • Flexible working with the opportunity to work from home one day a week when settled in to the role
  • Additional leave entitlements

About you:

  • You’re looking for a role where you can apply your business, finance and administration management skills to do work that you care about
  • You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
  • You’re comfortable thinking about strategic and operational plans – and just as happy to roll your sleeves up and tidy up after an event along with your colleagues

Position overview

This role manages the business, executive and administration needs to ensure the effective and smooth running of our small hybrid workplace. A proactive, collaborative and hands-on approach is needed for our agile and adaptable organisation, which has the consumer experience and voice at its heart.

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

  • Identifying opportunities to improve how we work, scoping projects, and working with colleagues to support the smooth roll out of any changes
  • Liaising with external suppliers to ensure best value for money for HCC contracts
  • Working with other HCC managers to understand the needs of their teams to be able to deliver their work to a high standard
  • Identifying opportunities to generate revenue to enable us to extend our impact
  • Liaising with our external bookkeeper to ensure that payroll information is captured in a timely and accurate way
  • Going through project, budget and financial reports with managers to ensure we’re delivering our activities within agreed parameters
  • Providing line management support to the Project and Program Support Officer
  • Attending meetings and writing minutes for the HCC Management Committee (Board)

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

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. Extensive experience of business, administration, governance and financial management and a demonstrated understanding of the realities of these for an advocacy organisation like HCC within the not-for-profit sector
  2. Strong analytical skills with a keen ability to problem solve and identify opportunities for system and process improvements
  3. Demonstrated experience of managing a workload across a range of projects and work areas
  4. A can-do attitude and flexible approach to work with demonstrated ability to contribute actively to team activities as well as being able to work autonomously
  5. Adept, or able to quickly become adept, at using the Microsoft 365 Suite and Microsoft Teams
  6. Demonstrated experience in working with CRM systems, including the ability to quickly develop a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  7. Experience in developing, implementing, and reviewing internal policies, process documents and user guides with a focus on continual quality improvement

Desirable

  1. An understanding of change management approaches fit for a small – medium organisation with constrained budgets
  2. Experience in growing revenue across a range of sources including fee for service, government and philanthropic grants
  3. Relevant qualification in business management or administration

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 Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.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 1 July 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 Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au

Click here to download the information on this page as a document.

To see other jobs we’re advertising click here

Join our team – Individual Advocate part-time job, closing date – 8am Monday 1 July 2024

To help us achieve our vision of improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone, driven by strong health consumer voices at every level of decision making in health, we are growing our small but mighty team.

Advocate, part-time, fixed term for 12 months with the possibility of extension

We are seeking a skilled and passionate health advocate to join our individual advocacy team on a part-time (three days a week), fixed-term contract for 12 months. 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 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 the Senior Advocates and the Advocacy Manager, as well as all other team members. 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 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 complaints 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.

HCC strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people.

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. Previous experiencing 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
  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 essential selection criteria, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.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 1 July 2024.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Sam Smith, Advocacy Manager on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 1) or email Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au

Click here to download the information on this page as a document.

To see other jobs we’re advertising, click here

Our Training

Our diverse team provides training to upskill individuals and organisations in their cultural competency and engagement practice with community and consumers. In-person training can be delivered in our training room in Mt Lawley for no extra cost.

CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT

Introduction to Partnering and Engaging with Consumers

Suitable for all individuals and organisations working with consumers and community

If you would like to involve consumers, carers, people with lived experience, family or community members in your work but aren’t quite sure where to start, this session will cover the key considerations to get started.

This session covers:

  • Why engage or partner with consumers?
  • Who do we mean when we say consumers?
  • What do we mean when we say involvement and engagement?
  • Different types of engagement
  • Engaging with people from vulnerable groups
  • What consumer engagement mechanisms exist across the system?
  • What are some possible opportunities?
  • What support is available to help you?

Online or in-person options available.

Cost Estimate*:

  • Individual – $80 + GST
  • Organisation (up to 25 attendees, delivered online or in the Perth Metro area) – $1,100 + GST

*Costs are provided as a guide only and may vary.

 

 

Introduction to Consumer Representation

Suitable for all new consumers and community representatives or organisations looking to provide their consumers or consumer groups with training

Consumer Representatives play an integral role in the Australian health care system. Consumers provide vital information and ideas from a non-clinical and non-staff perspective, to services and government committees.

This interactive workshop will give you the opportunity to hear, learn and think about important information for consumer representatives. The learning objectives for this session are:

  • Understanding of the WA Health system
  • Understanding how important your role as a consumer representative is to the health and care services
  • Understanding the importance of hearing diverse consumer perspectives
  • Understanding of the Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in Healthcare standards in relation to consumer engagement
  • Understand what support and resources are available to you

Online or in-person options available.

Cost Estimate*:

  • Individual – $100 + GST
  • Organisation (up to 25 attendees, delivered online or in the Perth Metro area) – $1,400 + GST

*Costs are provided as a guide only and may vary.

 

 

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

 

Seeing Beyond your Cultural Lens

Suitable for all individuals and organisations

The first part of developing a cultural competency is to understand our own culture and how that influences how we see and experience the world. This four-hour workshop is an opportunity for self-reflection and learning in an environment that is safe and supportive and gives participants the chance to challenge themselves. The workshop is interactive and facilitated by Tania Harris, HCC’s Engagement Manager and Aboriginal Lead. The workshop includes multiple breaks throughout to allow participants to stay focused and refreshed.

Learning Objectives:

  • To explore the concept of our own cultural lens and its impact on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours.
  • To understand biases and stereotyping.
  • To promote awareness, empathy, and inclusivity

Online or in-person options available.

Cost Estimate*:

  • Individual – $60 + GST
  • Organisation (up to 25 attendees, delivered online or in the Perth Metro area) – $900 + GST

*Costs are provided as a guide only and may vary.

 

 

 

Acknowledging Country Workshop

Suitable for all individuals and organisations

An Acknowledgement of Country is an important start to most meetings and professional gatherings and is an opportunity to express your and your organisations respect for Aboriginal people, Country and Culture.

This workshop is designed to help you start to think about what an Acknowledgement of Country means, the difference between and Acknowledgement and a Welcome to Country, when you should be doing an Acknowledgement, and how to personalise and make your own Acknowledgement meaningful and respectful.

You will leave the workshop with some tangible tools to develop your Acknowledgement, have the opportunity to ask questions, to develop your own personalised Acknowledgement and some tips for delivering it with confidence and respect.

All profits from these workshops go directly to supporting Aboriginal health consumers in WA in various ways including but not limited to, funding training opportunities for Aboriginal health consumers and occasionally Aboriginal workers, funding Aboriginal consumer payments to ensure Aboriginal perspectives are heard where they may not have been otherwise.

Online or in-person options available.

Cost Estimate*:

  • Individual – $49 + GST
  • Organisation (up to 15 attendees, delivered online or in the Perth Metro area) – $750 + GST

*Costs are provided as a guide only and may vary.

 

 

 

Supporting Cultural Diversity in Healthcare

Suitable for all individuals and organisations working in health

Better understand, communicate with and serve patients and families from diverse backgrounds. A space to discuss culturally sensitive and safe care and what that looks like.

This training will discuss:

  • What is culture?
  • Why is culture important in healthcare?
  • Your Cultural Lens and Unconscious Bias
  • Cultural Dimensions
  • What is Cultural Competence
  • Application of Cultural Competence

The workshop will be facilitated by HCC’s Cultural Diversity Engagement Coordinator Nadeen Laljee-Curran. In her role, Nadeen endeavours to hear and amplify the voices of people from a non-English speaking background are make sure they are considered in health service planning. Nadeen has a Master of Public Health and has been at HCC for over five years.

In-person delivery is available.

Cost Estimate*:

  • Individual – $100 + GST
  • Organisation (up to 25 attendees, delivered online or in the Perth Metro area) – $1,380+ GST

*Costs are provided as a guide only and may vary.

 

 

 

Aboriginal Patient Advocacy Training Workshop

Suitable for individuals and organisations working in health, community services, advocacy and human rights

If you work with Aboriginal people, this training is for you! You will develop a strong understanding of the health system, health rights and how to advocate and support Aboriginal people in this system, in a practical way. Add another tool to your toolkit.

This full day workshop was developed in partnership with leading Aboriginal health, health advocacy and human rights organisations to develop the skills of the community, community service and health sectors and to increase the availability of health advocacy to Aboriginal people. Our aim is to see health rights knowledge, advocacy skills, and an understanding of the impacts of racism and culturally inappropriate care on Aboriginal people and communities, increase – leading to better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

The workshop includes topics such as:

  • What is culturally safe care
  • Understanding the impacts of racism on health
  • Understanding the WA health system
  • Health rights
  • Advocacy skills
  • Conflict of interest
  • Vicarious trauma
  • How, when and to who to refer

This workshop is delivered by Health Consumers’ Council’s Engagement Manager and Aboriginal Lead, Tania Harris.

In-person options are available, online options for organisations can be discussed.

Cost Estimate*:

  • Individual – $100 + GST
  • Organisation (up to 25 attendees, delivered in the Perth Metro area) – $2,500 + GST

*Costs are provided as a guide only and may vary.

 

COVID-19 (2023/2024)

COVID in WA

COVID-19 continues to be a health issue of concern to many health consumers. Below, we provide links to the Federal and State Government websites as these have the most up to date information. We also provide a link to OzSage, a network of Australian experts from a broad range of sectors relevant to the well-being of the Australian population.

We can all stay well by choosing to stay ahead of COVID-19. Choose to stay safe by:

  • wearing a mask in indoor settings
  • getting together in well-ventilated spaces
  • staying up to date with vaccinations

Advice on what to do if you have COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19

Information and advice on COVID-19 for the community and businesses in WA

Information on testing, what to do if you have COVID-19, staying safe, and vaccinations

Translated information and advice on COVID-19 for the community and businesses in WA

Australian Government Resources

Learn about the COVID-19 disease, symptoms and effects

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 5 years and older. Find out more about getting vaccinated

Learn about long COVID and where to get help for ongoing symptoms

Other Resources

Resources and independent advice for federal and state governments, opposition, business, community and non-government agencies in Australia, from a multi-disciplinary network of Australian experts from a broad range of sectors relevant to the well-being of the Australian population during and after the COVID- 19 pandemic.


Advocating for Consumers

Since the pandemic began, HCC has been actively advocating for consumers’ needs.

In 2024, while news of COVID infections may occur less frequently in the media, we know that COVID remains a concern for medically vulnerable people and the community at large. Community infection rates fluctuate as new variations and waves occur, and evidence about the impact of Long COVID and multiple infections is still emerging. This leaves many in the community concerned about whether WA is doing enough to manage the risk of serious illness or widespread infection.

Now that we are living with COVID, our advocacy continues for:

  • Clear, accessible information about how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones
  • Clear, accessible information for people who are at increased risk of severe disease from COVID, including people who are immuno-compromised
  • Access to low/no-cost protection measures for people at increased risk of severe disease including respirators, anti-virals, and vaccinations

We raise these issues with decision makers at the state and Federal Departments of Health – see our updates below for more on this.

Community Conversations

We know that many people value the opportunity to hear the latest information about the ongoing impacts of COVID, and how to protect ourselves. HCC regularly holds Community Conversations with senior health leaders to provide the latest information and answer your questions.

More information on upcoming Community Conversations can be found on our events page.

Recordings of previous Community Conversations are available on YouTube.

Health Consumers’ Council Updates

December 2023: Advocating for consumer rights as we live with COVID

November/December 2023: COVID Health Consumer Sentiments

November 2023: COVID health protections in hospitals

[Last updated February 2024]

Advocating for consumer rights as we live with COVID

We recently held another in our series of Consumer Conversations in relation to COVID. On 12 December 2023, consumers had the opportunity to hear from Dr Andy Robertson, WA Health’s Chief Health Officer.

Based on that discussion, and the questions raised before and after, we have today sent a briefing of consumer sentiments about COVID to WA Health leaders, including the Director General, and the Chief Executives of the Health Service Providers.

You can read this briefing here: COVID Health Consumer sentiments HCC December 2023

We know that many people remain concerned about COVID, and are concerned at the lack of awareness in the general population of the risks that COVID still poses.

In 2024, we are planning to host further community updates with health leaders to help inform the community about this important health issue.

To subscribe for updates to receive information about these events, sign up to our enews here https://www.hconc.org.au/resources/enews/ or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hconcwa

Clare Mullen, Executive Director, December 2023