The Department of Health are recruiting consumers to appoint a diverse group to develop the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Independent Review of Victoria’s compulsory treatment criteria and alignment of decision-making laws.
VMIAC is seeking three consumers with lived experience of compulsory treatment to participate in the TOR group.
The opportunity
in December 2021 the Victorian government announced an Independent Review of Victoria’s compulsory treatment criteria and the alignment of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act with other decision-making laws.
The TOR group plays an important role in determining the Independent Review Panel’s scope of work. TOR group members need to be able to work collaboratively with consumers, families, carers, supporters, mental health workers and service providers to:
- develop Terms of Reference articulating the scope of work for the Independent Review, and
- direct how the Independent Review Panel will undertake the review (including how the panel should engage with stakeholders, identifying specific issues that should be addressed).
The TOR group will not be able to determine other aspects of the review, such as proposing to limit or broaden its scope, determining make-up of the review panel, or outcomes of the review.
The selection process
VMIAC, as the peak body for consumers, will create a shortlist of interested consumers with suitable expertise for the consideration of the selection panel. The selection panel comprises executives from across the Department of Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Division with legislative, lived experience, and clinical expertise.
The selection panel advises the Deputy Secretary, who will appoint the TOR Group members by 20 June 2022.
Who we are seeking
To be able to contribute to this TOR Group, we require that you:
- have lived experience of compulsory treatment;
- are committed to providing a consumer perspective to transform and strengthen the Victorian mental health system;
- are comfortable working collaboratively with a diverse group, including mental health workers and service providers;
- are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in line with the Department of Health Vaccination Policy;
- are able to commit to five half-day workshops from June – August 2022; and
- are able to complete reading tasks prior to the workshops.
We strongly encourage you to apply if you identify as an Aboriginal person, a person with disability, a person from the LGBTQI+ community, and a person from a culturally diverse background.
How you will be supported
You will receive remuneration for your contribution to the TOR Group. Rates of pay are based on the Victoria State Government Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines. The proposed rates are
- $218 for each half-day commitment
- $435 for each full commitment
You will also be provided with:
- Briefing prior to the commencement of the opportunity
- Peer support during the workshops
- An additional space to meet separately, given the sensitive nature of the work.
How to apply
We encourage you to review the following documents prior to applying to this opportunity:
To apply, complete the expression form detailing:
- Your interest in joining the group (250 words maximum)
- The expertise you would bring to the group (250 words maximum)
This form must be completed by 5pm Thursday 2 June 2022.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this role, please contact mhwa@health.vic.gov.au.