Location: Canberra
Employment Status: Full time
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!
In particular we are seeking applicants who have a strong understanding of the National Redress Scheme, which provides support to people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse, or who have comparable experience supporting individuals through complex, trauma-informed processes.
About ADACAS
ADACAS (ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service) is a leading individual advocacy service in Canberra and regional NSW with 34 staff. 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.
Working with our redress clients you will assist survivors of institutional abuse in navigating redress schemes, accessing support services, and understanding their rights.
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 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.
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 Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration, current National Criminal Record Check and have a current driver’s license. 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
First Nations people are encouraged to apply.
To apply
ADACAS reserves the right to close this role early if suitable candidates are found. Please monitor your email regarding communication on the progress of your application.
For a copy of the Position Description for any questions please email adacas@adacas.org.au and someone will get back to you promptly.