Expressions of interest are open for an Expert Advisory Group to inform the redesign of community-based mental health and wellbeing services in Victoria.
The department is undertaking a significant reform program to redesign community based mental health and wellbeing services delivered by Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, including in partnership with non-government organisations.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign (Community Redesign) project aims to deliver a comprehensive system design and strategy to improve community-based service responses for people of all ages with moderate to severe mental illness who have more intensive treatment, care, and support needs.
Recommendations 3.2 b and c, 5–8, 19 and 20 of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System detail some of the service delivery expectations for community-based mental health services. In 2024–25, a new phase of implementation will focus on reform priorities that translate policy and planning into systemic, operational change.
Role and Scope
The Expert Advisory Group is a time-limited group comprising leaders and representatives, including those with lived and living experience of the mental health and wellbeing sector.
It will help address key questions and considerations that may arise during the planning and design phases. It will provide advice on the implications and risks for specific communities, services and stakeholders and guidance on the approach to engagement with stakeholders.
Who can apply?
This expression of interest is open to:
- Consumers with a lived experience of accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
- Carers, families and supporters of people accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
- People who have experience working in or managing Area Mental Health Services for the Adult and Older Adult and Infant, Child and Youth cohorts.
- People who have experience supporting diverse communities who are accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
- People who represent First Nations mental health and wellbeing services.
- Representatives of non-government organisations delivering community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
- Representatives of the mental health and wellbeing workforce or industrial relations.
Do you have:
- A special interest or passion for infant, child and youth and/or adult and older adult mental health and a strong desire to see service system improvements?
- Expertise and/or experience in policy development and/or service or system level design and implementation?
- A commitment to centring the voices of people who have, and continue to, access Victoria's mental health system and harnessing their knowledge and experience?
- Knowledge or experience of the needs of diverse communities, for example Aboriginal communities, LGBTQIA+, disability and multicultural communities including people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds?
Period of appointment and expected time commitment
The initial period of appointment is 12 months but may be subject to review pending the outcomes of the project phasing. Expert Advisory Group members will be required to meet online for one or one and half hours, up to 6 times in 2025, commencing in January.
Meeting dates and times are to be determined when the appointments have been finalised. Some meetings may be held in person; adequate notice will be provided for in-person meetings. Meeting frequency may be subjected to review.
The department will confirm upon appointment whether members have adjustment requests to support disabilities or health conditions, and this will be factored in to all planning activities.
Conditions and remuneration
Lived and living experience members whose participation is not part of their employment will be paid through the participation registers managed by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and Tandem.
Reasonable expenses will be covered for in-person meetings and will be subject to the department's remuneration policies, outlined in the terms of reference.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed in confidence. Shortlisting and Expert Advisory Group member selection will be led by the Victorian Department of Health. The department handles all personal information in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).
How to apply
Complete the application form to express your interest in joining the Expert Advisory Group.
For more information, email mhwsystemdesign@health.vic.gov.au.
Please ensure that you obtain support from your employer prior to submitting your application (if applicable).
Applications close midnight 6 November 2024.
Reviewed 23 October 2024