Health Equity Specialist

Employment Type:

0.8 Permanent Position

Exemption:

This position is only open to women and gender diverse people (i.e., people who identify as women and people whose gender identity does not align with the gender assigned at birth, including trans, non-binary, agender, intersex and other gender diverse individuals; not including individuals for whom their biological sex and gender identity is male). EOE H319/2022

Location:

Women’s Health In the North (WHIN) is currently located at Level 2, 266 Raglan Street, Preston.

Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated.

Organisational Context:

Women’s Health In the North (WHIN) is a leading feminist organisation advancing the health, safety and wellbeing of women and gender-diverse people. Founded in 1991, Melbourne’s north is our heart. As part of Victoria’s Women’s Health Services Network, our work extends statewide and has national influence.

Through health promotion, primary prevention, advocacy, partnerships and systems reform, we work to advance gender equity and create the conditions for women and gender-diverse people to live healthy, safe and thriving lives.

Position Summary:

The Health Equity Specialist contributes to improving health systems across Melbourne’s north so women and gender diverse people can live healthy, safe and thriving lives. 

The position applies an intersectional feminist lens to find and remove the barriers in the health system that cause poor health outcomes, stigma and discrimination.  

The Health Equity Specialist:  

• develops, implements and evaluates evidence-informed initiatives that help people access the healthcare they need 
• applies expertise in understanding health systems, health equity and health promotion practice to help services meet communities’ needs 
• supports resources, partnerships, advocacy and system initiatives that address the social determinants of health, strengthen health services and support equitable models of care 
• collaborates with WHIN staff, health services, community organisations, government and regional partners. 

The position draws on developments in women’s health, health inequity, gender bias, weight stigma and findings from the Victorian Inquiry into Women’s Pain to help people get care that is relevant to their lives and experiences.  

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Tertiary qualifications in Health Promotion, Social Work, Public Health, Community Development, Social Policy or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
2. Experience designing, implementing and evaluating evidence-informed health promotion, prevention, health equity or systems improvement initiatives.
3. Demonstrated understanding of health equity, gender equity, intersectionality and the social and structural determinants of health, and their application to improving health outcomes for women and gender-diverse people.
4. Demonstrated understanding of the Victorian health system and contemporary evidence relating to women’s health, women’s pain, gender bias in healthcare, weight stigma and equitable access to healthcare.
5. Demonstrated experience building collaborative partnerships and working effectively with health services, community organisations, government, multidisciplinary teams, peer workers and people with lived and living experience.
6. Demonstrated experience facilitating workshops, consultations, stakeholder engagement and capability building activities.
7. Excellent research, analytical and communication skills, including the ability to interpret evidence and translate complex information into accessible resources, reports, presentations and practical recommendations.
8. Strong commitment to feminist principles, gender equity, social justice and inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally safe practice.

Please note: all applications must contain a statement addressing each of the essential key selection criteria separately.

Benefits

• Salary 3% above the award
• Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work from home
• The organisation offers employees the opportunity of salary packaging of up to $16,050 per annum ($30K grossed up). Salary packaging increases the value of the net salary (depending on personal taxation situation). (Salary packaging is subject to legislative requirements and in accordance with WHIN’s policy.)
• In addition to four weeks annual leave staff are granted a further three days leave (grace-in-favour days) across the Christmas/New Year period
• Generous personal leave arrangements
• Time-in-lieu policy
• Right to Disconnect policy

Application Details

All applications must contain a statement addressing each of the key selection criteria separately. Details of how to do this can be found here: https://careers.vic.gov.au/how-to-reply-to-selection-criteria

Referees, including a recent line manager, will be required if applicants are shortlisted after interview.

Women and gender diverse people from migrant, refugee, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are encouraged to apply.

Overseas applicants must confirm that they possess the relevant Australian work permits.

Further Details

To view a copy of the position description, and to learn more about the work that WHIN does, please visit our website: https://www.whin.org.au/about-us/work-available/

If you have specific queries about this position, please contact the Director Prevention, Strategy and Communications, Tracy Taylor-Beck via email: jobs@whin.org.au

Applications will be assessed as they are received.