Project Coordinator

Employment Status        Fixed term contract until June 2022

                                             (with possible extension subject to funding)

                                             3 – 4 days (22.5 – 30 hours) per week

About CMHDARN

The Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Research Network (CMHDARN), is a partnership project between the Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC), the Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) and the Mental Health Commission of NSW (MHC). The CMHDARN project is currently funded until 30 June 2021 by the MHC, with the expectation funding will continue.

About the position

Based in our office at Lilyfield, MHCC seek a Project Coordinator for CMHDARN. The position is part time 22.5 – 30 hours per week and includes maintaining all aspects of the Network and oversighting new activity as needed.

The role whilst not a research position, requires an understanding of mental health and AoD matters, as well as the practice approaches in the community-based sector. Reporting to MHCC, and working with input from NADA and the MHC, the successful applicant will have previous project experience in and be responsible for:

• Managing research network activities such as: the Community Research Mentoring program; reviewing Innovation and Evaluation Grant applications and supporting successful recipients; webinars: updating the CMHDARN website and supporting a Research Ethics Consultation Committee (RECC) etc
• Establishing and fostering positive relationships between the community / non-government mental health and AOD service sectors, and with people with lived experience, carers and kinship groups, public agencies
• Further developing of relationships with universities and academics to foster cross sectoral collaboration that supports research into practice capacity building within the MH and AOD community managed sectors.
• Planning, monitoring, reviewing, reporting and acting as secretariate to the activities of the Network as required including to the funding body, Steering Committee, Operations Committee, the Reference Group, and MHCC and the funder.

We are seeking an individual that is innovative, flexible and adaptable, has excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to ‘think on their feet’ and to work to deadlines within a dynamic and changing environment. An individual who can work independently, multitask priorities, has exceptional planning and organisational skills, a high level of self-motivation and attention to detail, and who is a creative and innovative thinker with a background understanding of community based human services.

The successful applicant will also have an understanding and interest in the interface between the mental health and the alcohol and other drugs sectors; and whilst not expected to conduct research, have a strong interest in research approaches as they impact the two sectors in a dynamic reform environment.

If you have a passion and commitment to building the capacity of services to better respond to the needs of the client base, through a Research Network as described we encourage you to apply today by sending your resume, and a statement addressing the selection criteria below.

Criteria

• Previous experience similar to managing a network or project activities
• Background experience in mental health and/or AOD sectors (not necessarily clinical)
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with various bodies, including academic institutions, NGO/community managed sector and Government agencies
• Capacity to support engagement with the research network and build capacity through CMHDARN activities
• Strong organisation and administration skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Demonstrated high level communication skills, including the capacity to disseminate information utilising multiple platforms to promote and build the research network
• Demonstrated understanding of mechanisms which may support sustainability of the research network
• Commitment to promoting evidence- based practice and knowledge translation
• Demonstrated ability to plan, monitor, review and report on projects
• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office and the ability to use WordPress.

Job benefits and perks

Remuneration packaging includes salary of $82k – $85k pro rata based on experience, plus super guarantee contribution, FBT salary packaging and entertainment benefits under our Public Benevolent Institution status.

To Apply

Enquires and written application including resume and cover letter addressing the criteria outlined above are to be addressed to Erika Hewitt email erika@mhcc.org.au.

Full Job Description is available from our website www.mhcc.org.au.

Further information on the work of CMHDARN can be gained from its website http://www.cmhdaresearchnetwork.com.au/

MHCC promotes diversity and practices equity. People with lived experience of mental health conditions; culturally and linguistically diverse people; LGBTIQA+; Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people; and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications must include a resume & statement addressing the criteria above.

Applications that do not address criteria will not be considered.