Do you want to help shape the future of genetic health care in WA?
The WA Department of Health is seeking expressions of interest from people with lived experience of a genetic condition or accessing genetic testing, either personally, as a carer, or as a family member, to join the WA Genomics Strategy Implementation Committee (the Committee) as a consumer representative.
This is an opportunity to help ensure the experiences, priorities and perspectives of consumers and families shape the future delivery of genomic health care in Western Australia.
The WA Genomics Strategy 2022-2032 outlines a coordinated approach to integrate genomics into routine clinical care and enable precision medicine and precision public health across the WA health system. The Committee provides guidance and strategic advice to the WA Department of Health on implementation of the Strategy and oversees monitoring and evaluation activities.
About the role
Consumer representatives help ensure the experiences, priorities and perspectives of consumers, families and carers are reflected in strategic discussions and decisions about genomic health care in Western Australia.
As a member of the Committee, you will contribute lived experience, consumer insights and broader community perspectives to help inform the Committee's advice, priorities and activities in support of the WA Genomics Strategy.
The Committee's consumer representatives are responsible for:
- providing a consumer perspective and advice on the planning, development and implementation of projects and decisions regarding the Strategy
- identifying and raising issues, opportunities and priorities relevant to consumers, families and carers in relation to genomic healthcare services
- providing advice to the Committee on when and how other consumers, carers and communities should be engaged to inform decisions and activities.
We are looking for someone who can draw on their own lived experience while also seeking, considering and bringing forward the views and experiences of consumers, families and carers whose perspectives may differ from their own.
Flexible and supported participation
The Committee usually meets twice each year, usually in March and September, with meetings (up to two hours each) held either online or in person during business hours.
In addition to attending meetings, members are expected to review meeting papers, participate in a pre-meeting discussion with the other consumer representatives and occasionally provide feedback on documents, projects or other work between meetings via email.
Membership terms are ongoing; however, consumer representatives may choose to step down from the role at any time.
The successful applicant will receive an orientation to the Committee and ongoing support from the Secretariat and existing consumer representatives to assist them in participating effectively in Committee discussion and activities.
Paid participation
Consumer representatives will be remunerated for their time at the Department of Health's Advisor participation rate of $75 per hour, in line with the Consumer, Carer and Community Paid Participation in Engagement Activities Policy.
Reimbursement may also be available for some out-of-pocket travel costs, such as parking, when meetings are held in person.
How to apply
Interested individuals can submit an Expression of Interest via the online form.
Before applying, applicants are encouraged to review the Selection criteria (PDF 154KB) to understand the skills and experience sought for the role.
The application is expected to take approximately 10-20 minutes to complete. Applications close at 5:00 pm (AWST) on Sunday 20 September.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an informal conversation about their interest and experience.
