Locations:                                          Wagga Wagga (2 roles); Wollongong (1-2 roles); Bateman’s Bay (1-2 roles)

Employment Status:                        Permanent, full time or part time (min 0.6)

About ADACAS

ADACAS (ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service) is a leading advocacy service with a 30- year history in Canberra and areas across NSW. ADACAS provides individual and systemic advocacy to people with disability, older people and their family carers. ADACAS has been contracted by the NSW Government to deliver the NSW Disability Advocacy Futures Program in three NSW Local Health District Regions.

About the Role

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. 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 include:

• Support and/or represent ADACAS clients, applying a best practice approach in individual advocacy
• Ensure that all activities are recorded accurately in the client 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

You will:

• Work from your home office (provision of IT equipment provided) and be provided with access to community hubs for meetings as required
• Be required to use your own car (the rate ADACAS reimburses for business use in a private vehicle is the Australian Taxation Office cents per kilometre method)
• Be required to do some overnight travel from time to time depending on planned visits across your region
• Be required to visit the ADACAS office in Canberra approximately monthly for team building and training events.

This position is a SACS level 5.1 position under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.

About you (selection criteria)

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
• 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 disability
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Great team player, can demonstrate initiative and be self-motivated
• Ability to cope with complex cases and apply self-care 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
• Knowledge of or experience with Sales Force (desirable)

The successful applicant will hold, or be able to obtain, a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration, NSW Working With Children Check, current National Criminal Record Check and have a current driver’s licence. All ADACAS employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive an annual influenza immunisation. You will be required to verify your COVID vaccination status prior to commencing employment.

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.

Visit www.adacas.org.au to learn more about ADACAS. If you have any questions, please phone our Quality and Service Manager, Darren Carr on 6242 5060.

To apply

Submit your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria via email. Applications close on 21^st February 2022. ADACAS reserves the right to close this role early if  suitable candidates are found. Please monitor your email regarding communication on progress of your application.

First Nations applicants and people living with disability are encouraged to apply.

Email ADACAS