Manager, Lived Experience Policy

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role:

The Manager Lived Experience Policy works within a team to develop policies and programs that centre lived experience perspectives and leadership in the specialist public mental health system.

This is a fixed term role and will not have line management responsibilities for staff for the duration of the fixed term.

You will collaborate with consumers and their families, carer and supporters, lived and living experience workforces, their colleagues and employing services, to ensure Royal Commission recommendations relating to lived experience entities and services drive system transformation.

This exciting role is a critical part of the response to implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, ensuring lived experience is embedded across the reformed system.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

• An experienced professional who works from a lived experience perspective.
• Experienced in policy and project development and deliver, contributing to system change.
• A skilled communicator and collaborator with stakeholder management experience.
• Skilled in co-design and co-production.

As Manager, Lived Experience Policyin the Lived Experience Programs and Policy Team you will lead policy and strategy development, and will work with lived experience-led agencies and other stakeholders to ensure lived experience perspectives shape reforms and are embedded in the new mental health and wellbeing system. You will also support important reform activity to deliver on Royal Commission recommendations that support outcomes for people with lived and living experience.

To be successful in this role, you will be a high performing individual with strong project management, strategic commissioning, leadership, and communication skills. The role would be suited to individuals who are comfortable working with complex issues, in multidisciplinary teams and with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Personal experience of living with mental or psychological distress, and/or substance use and addiction - or as a family, carer or supporter - and professional experience working with this expertise, is desirable.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.

Applications close Sunday 15 June 2025 at 11.59PM