Job Description

Consumer Consultant
Location: Thomas Embling Hospital but may be required to work at other sites
Classification: Consumer Peer Workforce
Salary: $68,874 - $73 070 plus Super and Benefits
Work Type: Full - Time
A career in the forensic mental health sector is diverse, challenging and rewarding. A career at Forensicare will be like no other. If you’re passionate about supporting people in their mental health recovery, Forensicare is where you need to be. You will be a part of a caring and supportive team, making a real difference to people living with the dual stigma of mental illness and offending. We approach our work with curiosity and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of our consumers and carers. Working across community, hospital and prison settings, you can learn, apply your specialist skills and advance in your profession. Together, we can contribute to a more connected, compassionate mental health and criminal justice system.
Position Objective:
The Consumer Consultant addresses broad systemic issues to strengthen service delivery and leads initiatives that enhance consumer participation, leadership and engagement across Forensicare. The role works closely with consumers, staff and treating teams to foster collaboration, empower consumer voice in recovery, and ensure individuals understand their rights, responsibilities and available supports. It also builds strong networks with external services and advocacy groups, provides consumer-informed guidance to staff, and encourages meaningful consumer input into service design, delivery and evaluation.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead consumer participation initiatives, including training, advisory groups and workforce development.
• Design and evaluate programs that strengthen consumer involvement in services.
• Collaborate with consumers, staff, and stakeholders to represent the consumer voice and improve services.
• Manage engagement activities, including the consumer register, forums, and input into service design and quality improvement.
• Support organisational effectiveness through reporting, committees, and ongoing professional development.
About You:
• Lived experience as a consumer or carer of mental health services and or forensic lived experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to write reports, prepare presentations, policies and submissions.
• Respect for diversity and confidentiality
• Certificate 4 in peer work is desirable
To access a detailed position description, please click here
Please Note - Applications will be reviewed and interviewed as they are received. Advertising may close earlier than indicated.
How to Apply:
Please submit a current resume and a brief cover letter acknowledging your lived experience and understanding of recovery.
For any further questions about the role, you can contact Hilda Sabondo - Talent Acquisition Partner, email hilda.sabondo@forensicare.vic.gov.au

Eligibility
•    Influenza and Immunisation Evidence
•    This position is subject to a Police Check, however not a barrier to employment.
Benefits
•    Salary packaging up to $9,010 + $2,650 meal allowance per year
•    Mental health & wellbeing programs
•    Professional development opportunities
•    Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
•    Fitness Passport – discounted access to gyms, pools & fitness centres
•    Comprehensive orientation

Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTQI, people with a lived experience of disability, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Forensicare promotes our guiding principles of RESPONSIVENESS, INTEGRITY, IMPARTIALITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RIGHTS; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.