Location: Canberra
Employment Status: Permanent – full time
About ADACAS
ADACAS (ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service) is a leading individual advocacy service in Canberra and people living in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla Hinterland, Batemans Bay, Broulee – Tomakin and Moruya – Tuross Head areas in NSW. ADACAS also provides free advocacy to assist people with disability living in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Illawarra-Shoalhaven Local Health Districts access services and supports funded or delivered by the NSW Government.
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, both locally and nationally to influence change on behalf of our client groups. We also deliver project activity consistent with our vision and mission.
About the Role
The Team Leader is responsible for management of staff and the quality of work carried out by the ADACAS Disability and Mental Health Team in the delivery of advocacy support under its Australian Government contracts – National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP), and National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP). The position has primary responsibility for the supervision of assigned Advocates, as well as managing a number of complex matters. The position ensures that all clients are receiving a quality service from ADACAS.
Required Experience and Knowledge
- Knowledge of what individual advocacy is and an understanding of the key advocacy issues in our society
- Experience in working with and or advocating for people with a disability, older people or disadvantaged/vulnerable groups and operating within a social justice framework
- 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
- Experience managing a team and mentoring staff
- Demonstrated experience of providing a culturally safe practice and commitment to reconciliation with First Nations People
Required Skills
- Ability to lead a team and foster a strong team and organisational culture
- Meeting facilitation
- Networking, relationship building and collaborative working
- Interpersonal communication skills (verbal and non-verbal including active listening, liaison, awareness of non-verbal cues and written communication)
- Ability to cope with complex cases and apply stress management techniques
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- High-level organisation skills and time management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to write factual accounts of discussions / interactions with clients and other stakeholders
- Intermediate to advanced MS Office skills
Your Values and Attributes
- Demonstrates social justice principles
- Strong professional identity and integrity
- Approachable
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Flexible
- Resourceful
- Confident
- Perseverance and commitment to addressing advocacy issues
- Self-awareness
- Empathetic and compassionate
- Non-judgmental
- Patient
Required Qualifications
- A tertiary qualification in human services / social work / behavioural science / community services OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience / education / training
- Current driver’s license
- Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card
- Current police check
Selection Criteria
You will be able to demonstrate the following:
- A strong understanding of My Aged Care and the issues impacting Older People
- A strong commitment to work within a human-rights framework and take a restorative practice approach.
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.
To apply
Submit your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria via email. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 March. 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.