Imha First Nations Advocate

Independent Mental Health Advocacy; Geelong; Hybrid; AUD 89,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Hybrid work from home & office model

Salary packaging up to $15,900

Job summary

Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking a First Nations Advocate based in Geelong (Wadawurrung Country) for a full-time fixed-term 12-month contract. The role provides representational advocacy for First Nations people at risk of or on compulsory treatment orders, helping them understand and exercise rights and participate in decisions about treatment, care and recovery.

The position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with a salary range of $89,029–$104,924 plus super and salary packaging

Qualifications

• Experience or qualifications in community development, consumer advocacy, mental health advocacy or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with First Nations consumers and stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of issues affecting First Nations consumers and experience in supported decision making and representational advocacy.
• Ability to collaborate with others and foster cooperative team relationships.
• Ability to understand individual situations and negotiate and influence for effective solutions.
• Knowledge of policy and legal frameworks including the Mental Health Act 2022 (Vic) and human rights conventions.

Job description

Full time, Fixed term (12 months), Salary range: $89,029 - $104,924 plus super. Up to $15,900 in salary packaging. Flexible hybrid work arrangement.

About the role

Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) is a non-legal advocacy program. The First Nations Advocate role provides representational advocacy to First Nations people at risk of or on compulsory treatment orders, assists people to understand and exercise their rights and to enable them to participate in decisions about their treatment, care, and recovery. It also provides expert advice to staff regarding engaging and working with First Nations communities and works closely with internal stakeholders as well as Aboriginal Community Engagement Officers, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service staff, as well as Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, Social and Emotional Wellbeing officers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. This role is based in Geelong on Wadawurrung Country.

Responsibilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with First Nations consumers, various First Nations stakeholders and organisations as well as mental health services.
• Sound knowledge of the issues affecting First Nations consumers and experience in supported decision making and representational advocacy.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with others and foster cooperative and supportive work relationships and team environment.
• An ability to understand individual situations and environments, and to negotiate and influence as required to create effective solutions.
• Openness to learn about relevant policy and legal frameworks including the Mental Health Act 2022 (Vic), Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and how they inform practice.
• Experience and / or qualifications in community development, consumer advocacy, mental health advocacy, community sector advocacy, social work, mental health service provision or other similar fields (desirable).
• A knowledge of the general business of VLA and a commitment to our vision and values.

About you

Don’t meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA

We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Generous leave benefits, including :
• Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
• Paid gender affirmation leave
• Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
• Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
• Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026.