Lived Experience Advisor

About the Opportunity

The Lived Experience Advisor role sits within the MCM Policy, Advocacy, Government Relations and Lived Experience team (PAGLE). MCM believe that young people who have experienced disadvantage hold valuable knowledge and expertise and can teach us about the systems and services that support them in the best ways. 
The MCM Policy and Advocacy team functions across four conceptual domains:
Government Relations: 
Building and maintaining strong working relationships with key government stakeholders across state, federal and local governments, including members of parliament, advisers and within the public service.
Policy development: 
Developing the research, policy and solutions needed to achieve our vision of an inclusive, fair, and equitable society.
Advocacy: 
Identifying and implementing advocacy strategies to achieve the change needed, including through Government relations, submissions, engagement with the media, collaborations with other sector organisations or allies.

About you

The Lived Experience Advisor role will be part of strengthening and embedding the voices and insights of lived experience into the organisation in line with MCM’s Strategic Plan 2023-27.
MCM Group is when we refer to the three organisations under the MCM banner, which are MCM, MCM Housing, Hester Hornbrook Academy, and Quantum Support Services.
The role embeds the voice of young people with lived experience of interacting with the systems of MCM group (homelessness, family violence, mental health, disability) into policy and advocacy to effect meaningful change. 
Participate in lived experience practice, including providing insight to support the development of new programs and improving existing ones, involvement in research projects and advocacy work (panels, conferences or at meetings). 
The position will provide a learning and development opportunity to build on skills, capacity, understanding, and confidence working in an organisation. Working with internal and external stakeholders and across different projects and different forms of Media (e.g. Radio, social media, television, newspaper).
Skills and experience

• An understanding of the current experiences of young people who are seeking support from MCM services and programs across Victoria.
• Ability to use own life experiences and expertise to advise, support and collaborate with teams across the MCM Group.
• An understanding of some of the key issues affecting people with multiple and complex support needs including homelessness, mental illness, alcohol and other drug use, health and safety, social exclusion, and community connection.
• Willingness to undergo developmental supervision to support your role and professional progression.
• A commitment to complete induction training modules to understand and comply with Child Safety Standard requirements.
• Computer literacy or skills that enable you to use Outlook email, Microsoft Teams and Word.
• Safety screening checks will require you to complete applications for a National Police Check (International also if required), a current Working with Children’s Check (Employee), and the Right to Work in Australia (for any current Visa holders). Completion of these checks can include support and discussion with the Senior Participation Support Worker.

Benefits of working with MCM include:

• Diverse and inclusive organisation
• Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
• Supportive learning and development environment
• Culture of continuous improvement

Essential:

• Previous lived experience of homelessness
• A previous or current MCM group service user ie: homelessness, family violence, mental health, disability
• Someone not currently employed in another MCM Group service

Desirable:

• MCM highly values a diverse workforce and is recognized by the Diversity Council of Australia as an inclusive employer. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ+

Screening Criteria:

• National Police check
• Working with Children check and NDIS Worker Screening check or ability to obtain
• Valid Victorian Driver's license
• Right to Work in Australia

Applications for this role will close on 8 March 2026 /or Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early.  Please include your current resume and cover letter. Applications should include a current CV and EOI cover letter. You should address the key selection criteria.

If you are a current MCM employee, please submit your application via the myHR job board. Please review the position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities.  If you have any needs throughout the recruitment process that have not already been catered for, we encourage you to contact recruitment@mcm.org.au to let us know how we can better support you to apply.

About MCM

MCM is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to safety. MCM embraces differences because we know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain talented people. 
We are a leading not-for profit-for-purpose organisation that offer a broad range of services in Disability, Homelessness, Palliative Care and Education.

Our commitment to Safety

MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.

Our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity of Access

At MCM we embrace our differences because we know that diversity helps us to innovate and make the biggest impact possible. Our DEI Strategy supports and drives an inclusive workplace culture. We embrace the learning opportunities that come with authentic commitment to equity of access for all. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.