Careers

Advocate – Mental Health and Disability Team

Are you passionate about human rights and ready to take action?

Our Mental Health and Disability Team is expanding and we are looking for human rights advocates who share our commitment to social justice! The best part is, you don’t need a law degree—just a strong sense of justice, a love of learning and a desire to amplify the voices of those in need!

About ADACAS

ADACAS (ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service) is a leading individual advocacy service in Canberra and regional NSW. ADACAS provides individual and systemic advocacy to people with disability, older people and their family carers and delivers other project activities consistent with our vision and mission.

We are passionate about asserting, promoting and protecting human rights and speaking up on behalf of people who cannot speak up for themselves. Our vision is a world in which everyone can exercise their rights and responsibilities, lead lives of value and dignity and pursue their dreams. ADACAS has a strong reputation as a human rights organisation and participates in a range of opportunities and initiatives to influence change on behalf of our client groups.

About the Role

No need for fancy legal jargon; we’re seeking storytellers, advocates, and everyday heroes who believe in the power of change

This role is responsible for providing individual advocacy, amplifying the voice of individuals to undertake their expressed wish, and without judgement.  Clients may include people with disability, people experiencing mental ill-health, older people and informal carers.

Highly desirable

Key responsibilities include:

• Support and/or represent ADACAS clients, applying a best practice approach in individual advocacy.
• Use professional judgement and initiative in response to dealing with moderate to complex advocacy issues whilst maintaining accountability within the organisations human rights framework.
• Ensure that all activities are recorded accurately in the CMS.
• Help identify key trends, including potential and actual systemic advocacy issues.
• Represent ADACAS at events as delegated and at designated agency network meetings.
• Work collaboratively as a member of the team and seek to improve the quality of service through an ethos of continuous improvement via reflective practice, training and education provided internally and externally.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with community partners, service providers, Government agencies and other stakeholders as required and take part in meetings with representatives.

About you

Forget the suits! Come as you are, be who you are. We value authenticity.

You will be able to demonstrate the following:

• A strong commitment to work within a human-rights framework and take a restorative practice approach
• Experience working within the redress sector (or comparable support experience)
• Experience working with and or advocating for people with a disability, older people, people with mental ill health, CALD community and First Nations peoples.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and apply legislation, policies and procedures, including the ability to identify issues and problem solve.
• An understanding of or experience with Government legislation, processes and services in relation to aged care, disability and mental health.
• Experience working in the community service sector or similar.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Great team player, can demonstrate initiative and be self-motivated.
• Ability to cope with complex cases and apply stress management techniques.
• High-level organisation skills and time management.
• Ability to write factual accounts of discussions / interactions with clients and other stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge and application of the MS Office suite of applications.
• Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration

The successful applicant will hold, or be able to obtain, a, current National Criminal Record Check and have a current driver’s licence. All ADACAS employees are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive an annual influenza immunisation. 

What’s on Offer 

• Our office coffee is strong, but our dedication to human rights is even stronger.
• A rewarding opportunity that can make a difference within your local community
• Classification 5 of the SCHADS Award will be negotiated with the successful applicant depending on qualifications and experience.
• Ongoing training and learning opportunities
• Have the backing of a supportive and friendly team
• Free parking
• Generous Salary Packaging Benefits including everyday living expenses of $15,900 tax free and Meal/Entertainment card – $2,650 tax free

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from First Nations peoples and people with a disability.

To apply 

Does this sound like what you are looking for? Apply via Seek by clicking here.

Applications will close COB, 30th January 2026

ADACAS reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support with your application and / or the interview process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ADACAS on 0262425060 or adacas.adacas.org.au

Please monitor your email regarding communication on progress of your application.