Employment Opportunity: Senior Managment positions at Mind Australia

Senior Program Manager - Housing for people with Mental Health Issues

Central Office - Heidelberg, Victoria or Adelaide, South Australia | Fixed Term Full Time

Reference Number: 3277 | Applications Close: 28/08/2009

• Competitive salary package • Opportunity to make a difference in the mental health arena • Challenging and rewarding work with good career opportunities Mind is a leading provider of services which support recovery for people who experience mental illness. As part of its commitment to making a difference in the lives of its clients and their families and carers, Mind is creating this new position to provide strategic policy and program leadership in research, service redesign and housing. In this role you will be responsible for leading and coordinating Mind’s policy and program approaches on housing. Your responsibilities will include: • Developing and implementing strategies for improving housing opportunities for Mind’s clients. • Re-development of Mind’s housing stock. • Preparing submissions and funding proposals to state and federal governments. To be successful in this role you will have: • Knowledge of and experience in housing policy and program management. • Understanding of contemporary mental health policy and practice. • Experience in liaising with state and commonwealth governments. • Excellent communication skills. • A relevant tertiary qualification. For a copy of the position descriptions and to apply online, please visit www.mindaustralia.org.au Applications addressing the key selection criteria should be sent by 4pm on Friday 28 August. Senior Project Officer - Service Redevelopment Central Office - Heidelberg, Victoria or Adelaide, South Australia | Fixed Term Full Time Reference Number: 3268 | Applications Close: 28/08/2009 • Competitive salary package • Opportunity to make a difference in the mental health arena • Challenging and rewarding work with good career opportunities Mind is a leading provider of services which support recovery for people who experience mental illness. As part of its commitment to making a difference in the lives of its clients and their families and carers, Mind is creating this new position to provide strategic policy and program leadership in research, service redesign and housing. In this role, you will be responsible for senior project management in the review of current Mind programs and the development of new service models. Your responsibilities will include: • Working in collaboration with Executive, State Operational and Regional Managers to contribute to program redevelopment in Victoria and South Australia. • Collaborating with key stakeholders and representing Mind at industry forums as required. To be successful in this role you will have: • A demonstrated understanding of contemporary mental health policy including policy development and program design. • Prior experience in liaising with state/commonwealth governments and key stakeholders. • A relevant tertiary qualification and project management experience will be regarded favourably. For a copy of the position descriptions and to apply online, please visit www.mindaustralia.org.au Applications addressing the key selection criteria should be sent by 4pm on Friday 28 August. Senior Research Officer - Mental Health Recovery & Support Services Central Office - Heidelberg, Victoria or Adelaide, South Australia | Fixed Term Full Time , Fixed Term Part Time Reference Number: 3286 | Applications Close: 28/08/2009 • Competitive salary package • Opportunity to make a difference in the mental health arena • Challenging and rewarding work with good career opportunities Mind is a leading provider of services which support recovery for people who experience mental illness. As part of its commitment to making a difference in the lives of its clients and their families and carers, Mind is creating this new position to provide strategic policy and program leadership in research, service redesign and housing. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the expansion of Mind’s research on evidence-based practice that supports the recovery of people with mental health issues. Your responsibilities will include: • Leading and supporting research activities and preparing written materials for Mind, peer reviewed journals and other publications. • Assisting the organisation in building its research database and program evaluation capacity. • Participating in relevant industry and academic forums, as well as providing advice and technical support to staff within the organisation. To be successful in this role you will have: • A post graduate qualification with a research focus. • Knowledge of the mental health sector. • Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies preferred. For a copy of the position descriptions and to apply online, please visit www.mindaustralia.org.au Applications addressing the key selection criteria should be sent by 4pm on Friday 28 August.

DHS: Community Consultation Report released

From Paul Smith, A/Executive Director
Mental Health and Drugs Division
Department of Health

Since the release of the Consultation paper on the Review of the Mental Health Act 198- December 2008, I have been impressed by the significant community interest in the review. This has been demonstrated through strong attendance at consultations and in the breadth and depth of the 219 submissions received.

The consultation process has provided invaluable insight into ways in which reforms to the Act could improve the consumer and carer experiences and outcomes. I would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Community Consultation Panel, the review team within the department and all those who shared their experiences and expertise.

Against this background I am pleased to inform you of the release of the Community Consultation Report. The Community Consultation Report is the work of the Panel and marks a significant milestone in the reform process. The report seeks to reflect the substantial quantity of information and quality of ideas received from people who experience mental illness and others who participated in the consultations.

I am also pleased inform you of the release of the Government Response to the Community Consultation Report. The Government Response outlines the directions which Government will take in progressing the key reforms in the new legislation, in response to issues raised by the community and stakeholders.

Copies of the two papers may be downloaded from the review web page at www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/mhactreview

Hard copies can be ordered by contacting the Review enquiry line on 1300 656 692 or by email at mhactreview@dhs.vic.gov.au

In further developing the Government’s policy directions in preparation for putting a Bill before Parliament in 2010, the department will undertake targeted consultations with stakeholders. Input on specified matters will also be sought through the Expert Advisory Group chaired by Mr Julian Gardner. Updates on the progress of the review will be available on the review web page.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in the review of the Mental Health Act 1986.

Aug 27th - Forum - Achieving Equity: Why and How

This is a reminder that VCOSS, The McCaughey Centre (University of Melbourne) and VicHealth are pleased to present the following forum:

Achieving Equity: Why and How?

Date: Thursday, August 27
Time: 1 – 3:30pm (Please note the change in closing time from 3pm to 3:30pm)
Venue: RACV Club Conference Centre, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne (Bourke Room 2)

Special guest speaker: Professor Richard Wilkinson (University of Nottingham)
Author of: The spirit level: why more equal societies almost always do better

With panelists:
· Professor Janet McCalman, Centre for Health and Society, University of Melbourne
· Adrian Appo, CEO, Gambina
· Michael Perusco, CEO, Sacred Heart Mission
· Professor Ian McDonald, Faculty of Economics and Commerce, University of Melbourne

Please complete the registration form attached and fax or email back to Sharon Stevens (Receptionist, VCOSS)
by 12pm Monday 24 August on F: 9654 5749 or E: sharon.stevens@vcoss.org.au

We look forward to your attendance on the day.

25th - 6th August - Dricing Linking Indigenous Policy with Service Delivery 2009 Conference

Organisers are now in the process of finalising the delegate list for Linking Indigenous Policy with Service Delivery 2009.

If you're thinking of attending, give us a call now as we're allocating the final tickets.
Over 125 attendees already confirmed

> Register online today to guarantee your place
> Download the conference brochure

Attend and Hear

An address from the Hon Desley Boyle MP on overcoming Indigenous disadvantage
The Social Justice Commissioner’ s reflections on the Close the Gap Campaign
to date and the challenges ahead
The newly released report by The Productivity Commission on Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2009
The COAG Reform Agenda for service delivery in rural and remote areas
Improved methods for service delivery, engagement with communities and tackling
Indigenous crime rates
Results of the Cape York Welfare Reform Initiative to date from a top, middle and grass roots perspective
New and innovative housing programs integrated with social and employment policy -
SIHIP Program, NT
View the full agenda
4 easy ways to register

Telephone: 1300 316 882
Fax: 1300 918 334
Email: info@criterionconferences.com
Online: www.indigenous-policy.com

Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative Tuesday Tutorials

The Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting online seminar series called Tuesday Tutorial.
Tuesday Tutorials are live online professional development sessions that use Elluminate Live® as a way of communicating. Elluminate Live® is an online application allowing groups of people to communicate in real time through the Internet connected computers. You use your own computer to listen, speak to others and participate in activities.
Experts in dual diagnosis, mental health, alcohol and other drugs and other related areas have agreed to lead these online tutorials as well as consumer representatives and others who have an interest in dual diagnosis.
Taking part in the Tuesday Tutorials will enable you to hear from respected leaders in dual diagnosis, ask questions and take part in discussions with colleagues and peers from around the world.
The Tuesday Tutorials will occur on the last Tuesday of each month between 1:00 pm and 2:00pm (EAST).
Details of the Tuesday Tutorials can be found on the Dual Diagnosis Support Victoria Website (http://dualdiagnosis.ning.com) and Dual Diagnosis Australia and New Zealand Website (http://www.dualdiagnosis.org.au)

VICSERV promotes a smoke-free working environment

In the Winter 2009 edition of newparadigm, focusing on Rights and Mental Health, VICSERV published a potentially controversial Opinion Piece by Dr Paul O’Neal on the issue of mental health consumers’ right to smoke cigarettes that will no doubt spark intense debate within the sector.

In response to this article, VICSERV would like to articulate that we promote a smoke-free working environment for staff and consumers within the PDRS sector and beyond. VICSERV believes that community service organisations are well placed to work with their clients and colleagues to help them quit smoking, including providing them with emotional support and encouragement and appropriate resources.

VICSERV has a range of toolkits and information sheets addressing the issue of smoking cessation, which are available for borrowing from the Resource Centre.

To borrow these items and for other information sheets on quitting smoking, please contact VICSERV’s Resources Coordinator, Kristie Lennon, by phoning 03 9519 7000, sending her an email with your enquiry or you can visit the Resource Centre at Level 2, 22 Horne Street, Elsternwick, Vic, 3185.

Right click on the images below to find out more.

Event: 27 August - "The Lower Depths" play by UnitingCare

Attached is an invitation to the latest production by the St Kilda UnitingCare drama group in collaboration with Inotrope productions. The play is based on a story by Russian playwright Maxim Gorky about the experience of homeless people living in Russia at the end of the 19th Century.

Training: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST)

Places are still available on the following program

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST)

ASIST is a two-day skills-based workshop that equips PDRS services staff, community support workers and caregivers for an effective suicide intervention role. The emphasis is on suicide first aid - helping a person at imminent risk stay safe and seek further help. Participants reflect on their attitudes and beliefs about suicide and how these may affect their intervention role. They learn how to notice invitations for help and ask directly about suicide. An intervention framework is provided and modeled, followed by extensive opportunities to practice skills needed to implement the model. Community resources likely to promote life links and continuity of care are also identified.

Facilitators: Kerry Dawson & Alexandra Babaras, Living Works Education and auspiced in Australia by Lifeline Australia Inc.

Date(s) & Times: 14 & 15 September 2009, 9:15am – 4:30pm

Register: To register please go to our website http://www.vicserv.org.au/training/sched/index.htm and complete the online application form or download and fax the registration form.

PANDA’s Business Lunch in Memory of Louise Litis

Tuesday 6 October

1 Bourke Street, Melbourne at The Windsor

12.00 noon to 2.00pm

Tickets : Table of 10 at $1,000.00 or $100.00 per head includes 2 course meal and beverages

Join us for our second annual PANDA’s Business Lunch in memory of Louise Litis. Louise suffered Postnatal Depression (PND) after the birth of each of her two children. In 2007 Louise took her life as a result of this illness leaving behind a husband, children, family and friends who were affected by the impact of PND. PANDA needs to raise awareness of this illness - not just to women but to all walks of life. Get your company to book a table or bring along your friends - here is your chance to learn how to make a difference.

For more information: www.panda.org.au