Location: Canberra
Closing date: 11 December 2023
Employment Status: Permanent, Fulltime
Salary $93,858.96 per year
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
This role in the Older Persons Team is responsible for providing individual advocacy, amplifying the voice of individuals to undertake their expressed wish without judgement. This position is focused on engaging with people over the age of 65, often living in residential aged care or receiving aged care services.
ADACAS works within a human-rights framework. Advocates are required to use professional judgement and initiative in response to dealing with moderate to complex advocacy issues whilst maintaining accountability within the organisation’s framework.
Key Responsibilities
Individual Advocacy
- Support and/or represent ADACAS Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, applying a best practice approach in individual advocacy.
- Ensure that all activities are recorded accurately in the case management system.
- Escalate any issues or concerns with the Team Leader in a prompt and timely manner.
- 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.
- Ensure all duties are undertaken within the hours allocated to the position and manage this time to limit the requirement for overtime.
Skills and Experience
Experience and Knowledge
- 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, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 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.
- Sound knowledge and application of the MS Office suite of applications.
Qualifications
- A tertiary qualification in human services/social work/behavioural science/community services OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience/education/training.
- Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card
- Current police check
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations
- Ability to have a flu vaccination each year.
What’s on Offer
- A rewarding opportunity that can make a difference within your local community.
- Ongoing training and learning opportunities.
- Have the backing of a supportive and friendly team.
- Generous Salary Packaging Benefits including everyday living expenses of $15,900 tax free and Meal/Entertainment card – $2,650 tax free.
ADACAS also recognises the importance of diversity. We are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect.
To apply
Submit your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria via email. Applications close at 5 pm on Monday 11th December 2023. 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.
Please email us for a copy of the position description.