Disability and Mental Health Advocate (Identified)

Location:                                           Canberra

Closing date:                                   4  August 2023

Employment Status:                  Permanent, part-time (0.8 FTE)

Salary                                            $93,000 – $93,858.96 per year (Pro-Rata 0.8 FTE)

About ADACAS

ADACAS (ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service) is a leading individual advocacy service in Canberra and for 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

This is a part time position, although we are open to hear from people who may be interested in full-time employment. This role will provide individual advocacy and community engagement to First Nations People in Canberra. This position will provide a safe cultural and psychological space for First Nations clients and other members of the community who require support from an individual advocate to ensure their voice is heard and their human rights are upheld.

Key responsibilities include:

  • 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.

About you

This is the perfect role for you, if:

  • You identify as a First Nations Person who is passionate about working with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community to provide advocacy for members of the community who have a disability and / or mental ill-health.
  • You are able to apply legislation and policies to assist individuals to have their voice heard, and are able to identify issues and problem solve.
  • You have experience working within Government legislation, processes and services in relation to disability and mental health.
  • You enjoy working as part of a team and being part of great organisational culture.
  • You enjoy having a good work / life balance.
  • You have worked with a client management system and have sound knowledge of how to use the MS Office suite.

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

What’s on Offer 

  • A rewarding opportunity that can make a difference within your local community.
  • Ongoing training and learning opportunities.
  • 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 Friday 4 August 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.