Participation Manager - Lived Experience
Hunter New England Local Health District – Waratah NSW
Employment Type:Temporary Part Time Until October 2027
Position Classification:Health Manager Level 2
Remuneration:$118,821.00 - $140,201.00 Per annum + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week:16
Requisition ID:REQ699953
Location: Matar Mental Health Centre, Waratah
Applications Close: Sunday, 15th November 2026 at 11:59pm
About the Opportunity
Make a meaningful difference in mental health services by championing the voices of people with lived experience. Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is seeking an experienced Participation Manager – Lived Experience to lead the Lived Experience Service within Hunter New England Mental Health Service (HNEMHS). Based in Newcastle with a district-wide focus, you will manage the Lived Experience Participation Unit, alongside the Volunteer Service and Professional Lead for Peer Work.
About the Role
You will support safe and effective engagement and participation for people with lived experience of mental health issues across individual, service, program and organisational levels. Working Mondays and Tuesdays, you will lead a team of two direct reports and work collaboratively with consumers, carers, clinicians and stakeholders to drive initiatives that enhance consumer experiences, strengthen systemic advocacy and support service redesign and innovation. You will also lead the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies that ensure consumers are partners in their own care, while overseeing consumer participation across mental health services.
About You
You will bring:
Demonstrated experience representing consumers and an understanding of health participation.
Experience leading teams and individuals, with the ability to achieve outcomes across projects and service delivery.
The ability to navigate complex systems and negotiate with stakeholders to implement strategies aligned with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's Standard Two – Partnering with Consumers.
Demonstrated knowledge of inpatient, community and rehabilitation mental health services and contemporary recovery-oriented service delivery in NSW.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, consult, negotiate and champion cultural change.
Tertiary qualifications in health or social sciences relevant to mental health or extensive experience working in mental health or a combination of both study and experience.
Consumer or carer lived experience of mental illness.
The Perks
AtHunter New England Healthenjoy a career whereyou'rechallenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
- Salary packaging options-up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passportfor health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
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Participation Manager - Lived Experience in Newcastle employer: Hunter New England Local Health District
At Hunter New England Health, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration, professional growth, and the well-being of our staff. As a Social Worker Level 3 at our Wallsend Campus, you'll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team dedicated to empowering young families while enjoying benefits such as ongoing professional development, salary packaging options, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, all within a warm and inclusive environment that reflects the community we care for.
Contact Details:
Hunter New England Local Health District Recruitment Team
