The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission (MHWC) is a core feature Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system. The MHWC is an independent body to monitor and report on the performance, quality and safety of the mental health and wellbeing system; hold government to account with the ability to initiate its own inquiries into matters that support its objectives; handle and investigate complaints about mental health and wellbeing service delivery; and exemplify and enable lived experience leadership. The Commission has an inclusive approach and actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities and people with a past or current lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress, as a consumer and/or carer, support person.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Senior Investigator will manage and provide advice on complaints involving serious quality and safety issues and/or breaches of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 (the Act) and human rights. The role will involve the identification of opportunities for service improvement through investigations, undertakings, recommendations, and coaching and advice to services. The Senior Investigator will have expertise in mental health law and will provide advice to colleagues as a technical specialist. They will also assist with the development of new practices and processes for the Investigations team.

Are you

• A technical specialist in mental health law with experience in examining and providing advice about serious quality and safety issues and/or breaches of legislation.
• Able to identify issues and potential improvements that safeguard people's rights and promote improved outcomes for people and broader service improvements.
• A confident and persuasive communicator who can build effective relationships with stakeholders when dealing with sensitive and complex matters.

Accountabilities

• Conduct investigations under the Act, including gathering and analysing evidence, formulating findings and recommendations, and drafting high quality investigation reports.
• Progress the resolution of complaints referred by the Assistant Commissioner or Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioners using other mechanisms, including negotiating undertakings with services and conciliating complaints which involve compensation claims.
• Other reasonable duties as specified by the Principal Investigator or Assistant Commissioner.
• Provide advice about serious safety and quality issues, and breaches of the Act and human rights as a technical specialist.
• Identify and escalate systemic issues and emerging trends to the Principal Investigator, Assistant Commissioner and Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioners, and undertake reviews and project work as requested.
• Assist the Principal Investigator to develop new practices and processes for the work of the Investigations team which align with the MHWC's priorities and the perspectives of people with Lived and Living Experience of mental illness and psychological distress.
• Keep accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for that of others in the workplace by working in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate how the actions and outcomes of this role and work unit impact on consumers of mental health services, carers, families, supporters and allies and the department's ability to deliver, or facilitate the delivery of, effective support and services.

Mandatory Vaccination Policy

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its workers and clients. As it is an essential element of any role within the department that employees be able to attend work onsite and to do so safely, employees are required to be up-to-date with their vaccinations against COVID-19 as a condition of their employment. This requirement applies unless they have a medical condition which means they cannot be vaccinated against COVID -19. Therefore, the department will ask any prospective employee, who has been identified as the preferred candidate for a role within the department, to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status prior to any offer of employment being made. If a prospective employee has a relevant medical condition which means they cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19, they should contact the department to discuss their individual circumstances.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants are encouraged to apply online, submitting a cover letter and a current resume. For this position, you are not required to address each of the key selection criteria in a separate written document.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including national police check and misconduct screening. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Victorian Public Sector employees and other JSE-eligible applicants will receive priority consideration for this role and are encouraged to apply directly via the Jobs & Skills Exchange (JSE).

For further information please visit the Department of Health. Click 'Apply Now' to submit your interest in this position.