Careers

Advocate Team Leader – Older Persons Team

Strategic | People Leadership | Data-Informed Practice

Are you passionate about human rights and ready to lead change?

ADACAS has a rare opportunity for an experienced and values‑driven leader to join our organisation as Advocate Team Leader – Older Persons, a pivotal role providing both strategic leadership and operational oversight across our Older Persons programs.

This role will suit someone with senior leadership experience in aged care, government, community services, or a related sector—or someone bringing a transferable skill set with a strong grounding in people leadership, data-informed decision‑making, and service delivery.

About ADACAS

ADACAS (ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service) is a leading individual advocacy service operating across Canberra and regional NSW. We deliver individual advocacy to people with disability, older people, and family carers, alongside a range of projects aligned to our vision and mission.

We are passionate about asserting, promoting and protecting human rights, and speaking up for people who may not be able to speak up for themselves. Our vision is a world where everyone can exercise their rights and responsibilities, lead lives of dignity and value, and pursue their goals. ADACAS is widely recognised as a trusted human rights organisation and plays an active role in influencing systemic change across the sector.

About the Role

The Advocate Team Leader – Older Persons provides strategic, operational and people leadership to a multidisciplinary advocacy team delivering:

• Individual advocacy for older people
• Education and training for residents and staff in residential aged care facilities
• Community engagement around aged care rights and elder abuse

The role is accountable for:

• Achieving contractual deliverables and KPIs
• Contributing to organisational strategy and continuous improvement
• Ensuring high-quality, culturally safe, rights‑based advocacy practice
• Using data and insights to inform decision‑making, reporting and advocacy

You will work collaboratively with peer Team Leaders, the Executive Team, and colleagues across the OPAN network, ensuring ADACAS delivers consistent, high‑quality services aligned with our Strategic Plan.

Our clients include First Nations people aged 50 years and over, and other Canberrans aged 65 and over, many living in residential aged care or accessing Commonwealth Home Support Services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Contribute to the delivery of the ADACAS Strategic Plan, translating strategic priorities into operational plans and team objectives
• Provide informed advice to the CEO and Executive on emerging issues, risks, opportunities and advocacy priorities
• Identify trends and patterns in service data and advocacy matters to support organisational planning and sector influence

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, support and develop a diverse team of Advocates and program staff
• Build a strong, cohesive and collaborative team culture that reflects ADACAS’ values
• Provide supervision, performance management, coaching and professional development
• Ensure staff meet mandatory training, OPAN requirements and contractual obligations

Operational & Program Management

• Manage funded programs to ensure delivery against contractual outcomes, KPIs and reporting requirements
• Oversee quality, consistency and compliance in advocacy practice across all programs
• Conduct quality audits and continuous improvement activities
• Chair and facilitate team meetings and contribute to cross‑team collaboration

Data Management, Reporting & Analysis

• Ensure accurate, timely and consistent recording of all activities in Salesforce (Client Management System)
• Use service data to inform reporting, performance monitoring, continuous improvement and advocacy
• Maintain strong data integrity in line with minimum data set and funding requirements

Advocacy Practice & Sector Engagement

• Provide high‑level advocacy support where required, applying best‑practice and restorative approaches
• Maintain strong relationships with community partners, service providers, government agencies and sector networks
• Represent ADACAS at forums, events and network meetings as delegated
• Actively contribute to OPAN discussions and ensure relevant information flows back to the organisation

About You

Forget the suits—come as you are. We value authenticity, integrity and purpose.

You will bring a strong blend of strategic leadership and hands‑on service delivery experience, and be able to demonstrate:

• A sound understanding of My Aged Care and issues impacting older people
• A strong commitment to human rights‑based and restorative practice approaches
• A clear understanding of advocacy and contemporary advocacy issues
• Experience creating and sustaining culturally safe environments, including working with First Nations and CALD communities
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy and procedures, and resolve complex issues
• Knowledge of government systems, legislation and services relating to aged care, disability and/or mental health
• Proven experience leading teams, managing programs and achieving contractual outcomes
• Confidence using data and reporting to inform practice, decision‑making and accountability

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in human services, social work, behavioural science, community services, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years’ experience in team leadership, with demonstrated strategic and operational responsibility
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office
• Experience with Salesforce or similar client management systems (desirable)

Requirements

The successful applicant must hold (or be able to obtain):

• A current National Criminal Record Check
• A current driver’s licence

ADACAS employees are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 and receive an annual influenza immunisation.

What’s on Offer

• A genuinely rewarding leadership role making a real difference in the community
• SCHADS Award Level 6 (salary negotiated based on experience and qualifications)
• Ongoing learning and professional development
• A supportive, values‑driven team environment
• Free parking
• Generous salary packaging:
  • $15,900 tax‑free living expenses
  • $2,650 tax‑free meal & entertainment card

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

Visit www.adacas.org.au to learn more about ADACAS.

How to Apply

Does this sound like the right next step for you?

Click Apply and submit your resume and cover letter that addresses your suitability for the key responsibilities of the role by COB Friday 22nd May 2026. ADACAS reserves the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

If you require reasonable adjustments, support during the application or interview process or you would like to discuss the role please contact ADACAS on (02) 6242 5060 or adacas@adacas.org.au.

Please monitor your email for updates regarding your application.