Associate Director - Lived Experience Workforce

Reference Number: 2006

Job Title: Associate Director - Lived Experience Workforce 

Employment Type: Permanent Full - Time                                                                 

Hours per Fortnight: 80 

Classification: Lived Experience Worker Grade 6 Year 1-2 (MP46 - MP47)

Location: Graham Street 

Closing date: 27/08/2025

For a confidential conversation please contact: Lisa Scarff on Lisa.Scarff@gvhealth.org.au

About GV Health – Mental Health Services:

Our skilled and committed team of Mental Health professionals provide an innovative range of services for individuals suffering from, or at risk of, serious mental health problems requiring short and long-term treatment and support. Our comprehensive service is offered across the municipalities of Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Greater Shepparton and Moira regions.

Our multidisciplinary professionals are from an array of backgrounds and disciplines and work across a range of settings and services including:

• Adult Mental Health
• Community Mental Health
• Acute Adult Inpatient Unit - Wanyarra
• Aged Persons Mental Health
• Child and Youth Mental Health

Click HERE to find out more information about GV Health and our services.

Click HERE to find out more from our staff about a career and lifestyle at GV Health.

About the role:

Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services (GVAMHWS) is looking for a motivated and passionate leader who has an advanced understanding of the Lived and Living Experience Workforce (LLEW) capabilities and frameworks for Consumers and Carers, within the Victorian Mental Health and Wellbeing System. This position calls for an individual who is change-capable, has experience working with people of different backgrounds and ethnicities, can work alongside senior clinical/executive and non-clinical staff and is able to think strategically with a vision for a better Mental Health and Wellbeing System.

The Associate Director of LLEW is a new leadership position at GVAMHWS and has been created to oversee and inform the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of mental health lived experience service provision.  This includes overseeing the LLE Workforce support to both inpatient and community based mental health care and support.   

The Associate Director of LLEW reports directly to the GVAMHWS Director of Nursing and Operations and will influence LLEW strategic direction and structure. This role will lead and support the full and effective participation of those with a LLE of being a carer or consumer of the mental health & wellbeing system.  The position will be integral into the implementation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommendations.

The successful candidate must have:

• A lived or living experience of the mental health system or alcohol and other drug (AOD) services — either through your own experiences or in a caring role — and have the ability to draw thoughtfully on that perspective in leading, developing and advocating for a lived experience workforce
• A clear understanding of the distinct roles, contributions and support needs of both consumer and family/carer lived experience workers, and a commitment to leading with equal considerations across these perspectives
• A well-developed understanding of contemporary trends and issues in mental health
• Experience designing and managing workforce systems — including work planning, supervision structures, professional development and priority setting
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in LLE Workforce leadership or supervisory role
• A leadership style grounded in lived experience values, and the ability to foster psychologically safe, inclusive and accountable team environments
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with service users, families/carers, colleagues, clinical staff and other health and welfare service providers
• Sound knowledge of Victoria’s mental health and/or AOD systems and reform contexts, including the evolving role of lived and living experience workforces in shaping service delivery, workforce strategy and system design
• Sound knowledge of legislation and standards pertaining to the delivery of mental health services, including (but not limited to): Mental Health Act 2022 and National Standards for Mental Health Services.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant health-related discipline
• Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work
• Post graduate qualifications and/or management qualifications will be highly regarded.
• Membership with Tandem and demonstrated involvement in the family/carer space

Position Description: HERE

If qualifications are a requirement for this position, please attach a copy in support of your application. Qualification requirements are outlined in the Position Description under 'Key Selection Criteria'

Why work at GV Health? 

• Free Workforce Navigator Program to personally welcome and connect you to our wonderful community
• Generous salary packaging, subsidised staff parking and discounted leisure memberships
• Flexible work practices and options to purchase additional leave to support work/life balance
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and study leave to help reach your learning and career goals
• A confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your loved ones
• Social club membership offering a range of events, functions and local community discounts
• Our CREATE Outstanding monthly, bi-monthly and annual reward and recognition program

GV Health is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as applicants who are LGBTIQ+, who have different abilities, or are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged. GV Health has zero tolerance of abuse, bullying and harassment and discrimination in all forms, and is committed to the safety, protection and wellbeing of all children.

Pre-employment screening checks may be required, including but not limited to; Working with Children's Check (WWCC), National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening, International and National Police Checks, Aged Care Statutory Declaration, Visas and valid working rights in Australia, immunisations as mandated by Department of Health. Further details of pre-employment requirements are provided in the Position Description and to successful candidates, or upon request. 

GV Health reserves the right to vary pre-employment screening from time to time and as directed by legislation and operational requirements. 

Recruitment agencies should note that GV Health does not accept agency resumes. GV Health is not responsible for any fees related to any unsolicited resumes submitted by Recruitment Agencies.