Lived Experience Communications Officer

For all people in Australia living with mental health and wellbeing challenges to live a life that is meaningful to them.

Position Details

• Full-Time, Permanent Position
• Classification: SCHADS Level 5 with a salary range of: $100,875 - $105,439; per annum + Superannuation
• Salary packaging arrangements providing tax benefits available for living and entertainment expenses increasing your take home income where part of your wage is paid tax free each pay, savings thousands in tax each year
• Location: Head Office, Preston, VIC, however remote or hybrid working arrangements will be considered

About your new role

This is a designated Lived Experience role, meaning you will use your lived expertise in the development of effective communications initiatives and materials, and have a broad understanding of the mental health sector. In practice, this looks like:

• Applying lived expertise to support the development of effective communications initiatives
• Upholding lived experience work values and principles to build relationships with colleagues and continued development of individual and collective lived expertise.
• Elevating lived experience perspectives and voices

As the Lived Experience Communications Officer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing communications plans and activities that help Neami deliver on its purpose – to support people to achieve the mental health and wellbeing outcomes that matter to them.

The Lived Experience Communications Officer will be supported to connect with and be part of existing Neami and external lived experience networks. Neami and the Engagement team are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone. This includes ensuring that lived experience approaches and expertise are genuinely valued, heard, and respected.

This role is part of Neami's Engagement team, who are primarily based in Melbourne. As a national organisation, this role is open to applicants outside of Melbourne and Victoria, who are willing to work remotely but available to travel to Melbourne.

What you will bring to the role

• A tertiary qualification in communications, digital communications, public relations, marketing (or related discipline) and/or relevant experience in a communications environment.
• An understanding of the principles of recovery-oriented practice and peer work values and experience applying lived expertise purposefully.
• Experience in implementing effective communication and engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and coordinating activities across a broad range of communications channels.
• Strong writing and editing skills across print and online channels, with the ability to adapt writing style, tone and voice for different audiences with exceptional attention to detail.
• Willingness to identify or be identified by others as a professional with lived experience of recovery
• Willingness to share and draw on lived experience purposefully in the role to instil confidence and hope in others about the journey of recovery

What will Neami offer

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave, an Accrued Day Off each month, Gratis Leave and Wellness leave
• Professional development through regular practice development sessions and coaching with your supervisor
• Ongoing extensive in-house Learning and Development programs to encourage learning and skill-building
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through TELUS - providing holistic health and wellness supports and resources to Neami staff and their immediate family
• Flexible work arrangements are available for maintaining your work-life balance
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading

What the role requires

• Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (police check) – disclosable outcomes considered
• Australian working rights

How to apply

The terms and conditions of the role are listed in the attached position description (please select paperclip icon).

To apply for this position, please:

• Click the
  'Apply'
  button where you will need to create a username and password
• Upload your resume and cover letter

When applying for this position, you are asked to tell us about your previous work experience, your suitability for this role and your answers to any target questions (where asked). Please include in your application how you would prefer to be contacted (whether via email, text or phone call).

If you are excited about this role, but only meet some of the requirements, we encourage you to call or email us to talk about this opportunity. We're passionate about creating opportunities and supporting professional development.

If your application is shortlisted:

• We may invite you to have an informal phone conversation to discuss the role and get to know more about your experience and interest and answer your questions
• We may invite you to an interview (which may be in person or conducted online via Microsoft Teams) with up to three panel members from Neami

If you have any further questions regarding this role which are not addressed in the job advertisement or position description, or if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact:

Aykut Ozal, Engagement Advisor –

If you have any technical issues when applying for this role, please email for assistance.
Note: applications will not be accepted at this email address.

Applications Close: 12th September 2025

Be Yourself
-Neami values and celebrates diversity including multidisciplinary teams and the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that is accessible, inclusive and reflects the community in which we live.

Neami is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We commit to providing accessible and safe physical and online environments for all children and young people. Click Here for full statement.