National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum

Expressions of Interest
Queensland consumer representative

The Queensland Mental Health Commission (the Commission) has engaged MHLEPQ to lead the recruitment of the vacant Queensland consumer representative position on the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF).

About the NMHCCF

The NMHCCF was established in recognition of the continued need for mental health consumer and carer involvement and consideration at the highest level of policy development; with the aim of improving the safety, wellbeing and quality of life of mental health consumers and carers throughout Australia.

The NMHCCF provides a platform for mental health consumers and carers to foster partnerships and to ensure consumer and carer lived experiences and perspectives are considered in mental health sector activities including policy, service delivery and evaluation of reform.

Further information about the NMHCCF can be found on their website.

About the Role

As a member of the NMHCCF, the Queensland consumer representative will use their lived experience, understanding of the mental health system and communication skills to listen, learn, advocate, and promote issues and concerns that reflect the lived experiences of mental health service consumers.

NHMCCF members will meet face-to-face or by teleconference several times throughout the year, regularly providing feedback on matters of relevance including consultation on national mental health initiatives and policies, with opportunities to participate in working groups, contribute to advocacy briefs, and with a focus on engagement with state-based consumer networks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent Queensland consumers at the NMHCCF – where possible this is to include consumers in regional areas and of diverse backgrounds and ages
• Articulate a range of consumer perspectives using system advocacy skills in a national policy development context
• Maintain connection with and be actively involved in the key networks of consumer representatives in Queensland
• Liaise with stakeholders and provide a conduit for information between the NMHCCF, the Commission and relevant Queensland consumer networks and advocacy bodies
• Attend face-to-face meetings/teleconferences, actively participating in discussions and contributing ideas and expertise
• Participate in relevant working groups, contributing to policies and papers
  Prepare written reports for the NMHCCF about current activities and issues facing Queensland mental health consumers
• Maintain regular contact with the Queensland liaison officer at the Commission
• Fulfil duties of NMHCCF members as outlined in the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum Operating Guidelines September 2017*.

Selection Criteria:

1. Demonstrated ability to provide an understanding of diverse consumer perspectives at a system advocacy level.

   For example, skills may include:

   • An understanding of the principles of consumer participation.
   • Being widely informed of and able to represent consumer experiences beyond one’s own personal experience.
   • Familiarity or the ability to gain familiarity with Queensland and national policy issues in mental health.
   • Being able to provide advice and strategic direction to the NMHCCF on behalf of Queensland consumers.
   • Being able to problem solve, use initiative and contribute to the goals of the NMHCCF.
2. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain networks with Queensland-based consumer mental health organisations and/or government bodies.
3. Effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work as part of a team and maintain positive working relationships with NMHCCF members and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. carer and consumer networks, the Commission, government and service providers).
4. Well-developed communication skills including the ability to listen, negotiate and provide verbal and written feedback, and prepare reports.
5. Willingness to participate in training relevant to the work of the NMHCCF (training would not be onerous and would be provided through the NMHCCF).

Why should you apply?

• • Four-year appointment
  • Unique opportunity to influence mental health policy and service delivery at a national level
  • Engage with stakeholders who are equally as passionate about making positive and meaningful change to the sector
  • Opportunities to participate in ongoing partnerships and working groups
  • Representatives are remunerated for formal NMHCCF activities including teleconferences, face to face meetings and identified out of session activities as outlined in the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum Operating Guidelines September 2017*.

*Note: these guidelines are currently being updated

How to apply?

Click on the APPLY button or contact Ashleigh McFadyen on 07 3846 7730.

• Provide a letter of application addressing the selection criteria (maximum 2 pages)
• Submit a resume highlighting relevant experience
• Include a letter of support from an organisation relevant to mental health service consumers

Applications for this role close 8th April 2022 at 4:00 pm.