Looking for a role where your voice helps others find theirs?

As our Independent Patient Rights Advisor, you will play a pivotal part in shaping healthcare journeys across Central Queensland. Based in the thriving regional hub of Rockhampton, this unique position balances essential legislative advocacy with true grassroots community connection.

If you are deeply passionate about mental health equity, enjoy interpreting legislation, and want to empower individuals, apply today to make a genuine difference.

Job details

Step into a vital advocacy space within our First Nations Health and Wellbeing unit.

 This role extends its reach across both the Central Queensland and Central West Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service regions, offering you an incredible breadth of experience and a truly dynamic working environment. You will join a highly supportive network of professionals dedicated to patient autonomy and systemic integrity.

While you will travel across our beautiful regional catchments, you will remain deeply connected to a collaborative team that values your independent insights, champions professional growth, and focuses on human-centered care.

About us:

The Central Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (CQMHAODS) provides specialist, recovery-oriented care to an expansive catchment of over 250,000 residents. Centered at our principal service hub in Rockhampton, our teams work across inpatient units, community clinics, and vital outreach services. Guided by our Destination 2030 strategy, we are committed to building healthy communities through amazing care, connected teams, and deep community partnerships. We believe in fostering a workplace culture that actively supports and invests in our people's futures. 

About the role:

• Advise patients, their families, carers, and nominated support persons of their statutory rights and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 2016.
• Help patients communicate their specific views, wishes, and treatment preferences directly to authorized health practitioners and clinical teams.
• Advise patients of their rights at Mental Health Review Tribunal hearings and assist them in engaging legal or independent representation when requested.
• Consult collaboratively with authorized doctors, service administrators, community visitors, and the Chief Psychiatrist regarding broader patient protections.
• Support the development, implementation, and ongoing review of localized Independent Patient Rights Advisor operational and quality procedures.

About you:

• You possess a comprehensive knowledge of the requirements of the Mental Health Act 2016, or hold a proven ability to rapidly acquire this understanding.
• You bring demonstrated professional experience working alongside patients and their support networks throughout various stages of mental health recovery.
• You are highly skilled at interpreting complex statutory legislation and applying legal principles to real-world, human service contexts.
• You have a proven capacity to consult, negotiate, and resolve conflict across a broad spectrum of clinical and community stakeholders.
• You exhibit high-level oral and written communication skills, with a dedicated focus on supporting individuals from vulnerable population groups.

What we offer:

Total monthly remuneration value of up to $14,297 p.m. is comprised of:

• An hourly rate between $70.66 - $75.83 p.h.
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• 17.5% leave loading

Additional Benefits:

• Ongoing Professional Development and Education Opportunities
• Flexible Work-Life Balance and Variety
• Generous Salary Sacrificing Options
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounted Private Health Insurance
• Fitness Passport

Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) requirements:

It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases as listed on the Role Description.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit the following:

• Your current CV or resume, including referees.
• A cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing how your experience, skills and values align with the key responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Role Description.
• Any additional forms / evidence as attached or listed on the Role Description.

For assistance:

1. Contact Recruitment.CentralQueensland@health.qld.gov.au
2. Quote the Job Ad Reference (JAR)

Applications close: Sunday, 19 July 2026

#Rockhampton

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Microsoft Word (.doc) or PDF file types are supported. Files must be a maximum of 2MB each.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• RK6G687138 - Independent Patient Rights Advisor (PDF)
  
  Information for Applicants (PDF)