At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of advocates to empower individuals in the mental health system.
- Company: Victoria Legal Aid, dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and communication skills, with a passion for advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 104925 - 122409 $ per year.
Make a difference in the community leading a team of non-legal advocates to provide high-quality advocacy services to people at risk or subject to compulsory treatment orders.
Full-time ongoing position
Salary range: $104,925 - $122,409 plus super
Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement
About the role
Our Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) team is a non-legal advocacy program that is staffed and led by professionals with mental health consumer experience and/or backgrounds in community development, consumer advocacy, mental health advocacy, community sector advocacy, social work, mental health service provision or other similar fields. You will provide advocacy services in complex matters and empower your consumers to know and exercise their rights within the mental health system, allowing them to participate in decisions relating to their own assessment, treatment and recovery. As a senior team member, you will provide supervision and mentoring to the team, monitor and manage workload. Also to ensure that effective debriefing practices are upheld to support the health and wellbeing of your team members. This role is based at our Broadmeadows office on Wurundjeri Country.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
- People management and leadership skills to support a team to work effectively together, and provide supervision, mentoring and debriefing to IMHA advocates.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with consumers from diverse backgrounds, various stakeholders and organisations.
- Sound knowledge of the issues affecting consumers and the ability to ‘stand up' and champion on behalf of consumers.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with others and foster cooperative and supportive work relationships and team environment.
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 1500+ 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
- 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.
No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Wednesday 4th November 2026.
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.
Senior Advocate in Melbourne employer: Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid is an exceptional employer that champions social justice and provides meaningful work in a supportive hybrid environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while working alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to making a difference in the lives of asylum seekers and marginalised migrants. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and advocacy, ensuring that your contributions lead to impactful outcomes for the community.
