Expressions of Interest sought for Mental Health & Addiction Workforce Reference Group

Te Pou and Werry Workforce Whāraurau are seeking people interested in helping us with our work as members of a new Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Reference Group (WRG).

We are seeking to appoint no more than 10 people from across the sector who can help us to ensure we remain current and responsive to the needs of people working with and supporting those facing mental health and addiction challenges.

Below you find information on the reference group, the type of leaders being sought, how to express interest, and our selection process. The draft Terms of Reference can be downloaded here or are available by emailing [email protected].

Background

Te Pou and Werry Workforce Whāraurau wish to advise that our previous Clinical and Sector Reference Group is being refreshed and renewed for 2021 and beyond. The new group will be called the Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Reference Group (Workforce Reference Group or WRG). It will have a clearly defined purpose, updated terms of reference and refreshed membership. This will help ensure that the group’s members, Te Pou, and Werry Workforce Whāraurau benefit from the advice of the group and avoid duplication of other forums and activities.

Functions of the Workforce Reference Group

The WRG will act as a reliable source of information and intelligence about the provision of mental health and addiction services and supports across the health sector. This will assist the workforce centres to be current and responsive to workforce needs and developments. The group will act as a collaborative space where both the workforce centres and members will share expertise, advise, and strategic input in the planning and implementation of addiction and mental health workforce-related activities.

Operation of the Workforce Reference Group

The WRG will have no more than 10 members who will represent a broad range of disciplines and workforce roles relevant to the provision of mental health and addiction services and supports across the health sector. The WRG will meet each quarter on a virtual platform with at least one hui per year held in person (at a Te Pou or Werry Workforce Whāraurau office). The first hui is planned to take place in Auckland in early May, subject to change (due to changes in Covid19 alert levels).

Who can express interest?

The WRG will be multidisciplinary, with members who have a broad range of clinical, leadership and/or lived experience knowledge and skills relevant to the provision of mental health and addiction services and supports across the health sector. No more than 10 members will be selected, and members will serve a two-year term subject to renewal.

Te Pou and Werry Workforce Whāraurau welcome expressions of interest from:

• People who are leaders in the provision of mental health and addiction services.
• People with diverse experience and expertise related to current workforce issues.
• People who provide support from across the health sector, including (but not limited to) people from DHBs, NGOs, primary care, corrections, and community services, clinical skills and lived experience.
• People who are well-networked and able to keep informed with current workforce needs and developments.
• Leaders who have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to support effective discussion with a range of stakeholders.

Submitting your expression of interest

To register your interest in being considered for the Workforce Reference Group, please submit the following documents by
22 Poutū te rangi | March 2021 to [email protected].

• A cover letter indicating your motivation to apply and how you satisfy the selection criteria.
• Your curriculum vitae.

Member Selection

After submission, your expression of interest will be reviewed by a joint Te Pou and Werry Workforce Whāraurau recruitment committee. Preference will be given to candidates who bring a range of expertise and experience.

During the selection process, telephone/ video calls may be scheduled to ask questions relating to the applicant’s experience and expertise and/or to assess whether the applicant meets the criteria for membership.

WRG members will not be remunerated for their services in relation to the WRG or otherwise.* Travel and accommodation expenses of WRG members to participate in WRG meetings will be covered as necessary and by prior arrangement.
* Some consideration will be given to unsalaried members or contractors.

The appointment will be limited in time as indicated in the letter of appointment.

If you have any questions about this call for members, please get in touch with Kyla Mottershead before the application deadline.

 

(With thanks to Sarah Fitzpatrick, Te Pou)