Consumer Advocate

An exciting opportunity exists with Mercy Perinatal to join our Consumer Advisory Steering Group (CASG). If you are keen to help shape the research agenda of one of the leading pregnancy research units in Australia, this is the position for you

As we design and develop our research strategy, we are seeking consumers who have:

- A lived experience of pregnancy and
- Consumer engagement experience

Mercy Perinatal comprises a team of obstetricians, midwives and researchers based within the Mercy Hospital for Women. We are seeking to establish a vibrant community of consumers - led by the CASG - to help direct, develop, shape and advise on our research programs. These programs include basic science (discovery research), clinical research projects (cohort studies, clinical trials) and implementation science - all with the aim to improve outcomes for pregnant women, their babies and families.

The consumer voice is critical to enhance medical decision-making in pregnancy care, and to improve the information available to patients and their care providers during pregnancy. The CASG will oversee the Mercy Perinatal Consumer Network, and any working groups that may be assembled to address specific research questions. We are seeking Consumer Advisors to help us develop the MP Consumer Network and help us prioritise the research questions we ask and the outcomes we choose to examine. The CASG will oversee the strategy for all consumer interactions.

The impact and purpose of the CASG is:
The Consumer Advisor Role, aims to:
1. Represent and advocate for the community,

2. Advise Mercy Perinatal and the Advisory Committee about patient and community views on Mercy Perinatal’s clinical service development, education and research,

3. Define and develop consumer roles, engaging across diverse communities and stakeholders,

4. Advise Mercy Perinatal on community expectations and provide insight into the experience of patients, their families and carers at Mercy Perinatal,

5. Recruit consumers to the Mercy Perinatal consumer network, who may participate in focus groups, discussion forums regarding research themes and other Mercy Perinatal initiatives,

6. Oversee training, remuneration and support for consumers participating in focus groups/ research.

**Responsibilities**
- Adhere to Mercy Health Codes of Conduct, Equity & Inclusion, Privacy & Confidentiality Policies
- Be mindful of diversity and representation, actively considering the perspectives of those outside of your own lived experience and diaspora.
- Consider all engagement activities from the point of view of addressing the needs of the people who use Mercy Health services, from their ability to understand and participate in their own care and in contributing to the planning, design and governance of services provided.
- Be part of the co-creation of a safe environment, where all CASG members feel they can share their thoughts and experiences, communicating clearly and respectfully anyone you engage.
- Contribute to the strategic planning of consumer engagement at Mercy Perinatal.
- Develop strategies to nurture consumer engagement at Mercy Perinatal.
- Share your experience and perspective/s to ensure our services meet the needs of people accessing them, and facilitate the consultation of other consumers where needed.
- Actively participate in meetings, through conversations and preparatory work e.g., readings or seminars
- Maintain confidentiality of documents, correspondence and decisions relating to the steering group.
- Ask questions, seek clarification and support to help you undertake the role.
- Follow up any agreed actions in a timely manner.
- Assist with tasks and projects as is reasonably requested.

**Qualifications**

**Essential Criteria**
- Lived experience of planning, current or previous pregnancy, pregnancy (as a patient or family member/ friend).
- Ability to provide working recommendations, with consideration of the large number of stakeholders.
- Previous experience with strategic planning, governance and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
- Ability to show empathy for those on the steering group, creating a safe environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills - including group discussion and oral presentations.
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Current Police Check, Working with Children Check and References

**Desirable**
- Previous experience as a consumer representation/advocate in the health field.
- Previous involvement in committees or working groups
- Ability to consider things and communicate from the point of view of a consumer.
- Proof of immunisation and COVID-19 Vaccinations (if required).

**Job Type**: Contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: Up to $250.00 per month

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Heidelberg VIC 3084

Application Deadline: 23/02/2025