Please note: this position can work from any CREATE Foundation office around Australia, with possibility of working from home. We have offices in Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Victoria, Hobart and the ACT.

We are looking for a National Advocacy and Policy Influencing Officer to fulfil the organisations strategic objectives through supporting the facilitation of the “voice” of children and young people in effective systems advocacy that influences public policy and improves outcomes for children and young people in care.

This role is a 4 day a week role, 30.4 hours per week, based in the CREATE Head Office in Brisbane.

CREATE Foundation is the peak consumer body representing the voices of children and young people in the out-of-home care sector to advocate for change to improve the system.

We are invested in our team and reward and acknowledge our staff achievements with annual Performance Awards and offer extensive personal development opportunities through organisational training.

We offer great entitlements including Salary Sacrificing, and an additional 3 days Board Leave per annum on top of the 4 weeks annual leave.

To actively participate in the Influencing Stream of CREATE Foundation to effectively communicate CREATE’s key messages internally and externally.

Position context and specific job requirements

• Work effectively in a small team, in a fast- paced environment, with many competing deadlines.
• Assist in collecting information from children and young people, and/or the OOHC sector to inform CREATE’s consultations. This includes conducting interviews and participating in meetings or small groups with children and young people to hear and document their voices.
• Collate and analyse data utilising the Survey Monkey platform.
• Prepare quality/accurate reports utilising CREATE’s established templates and Style Guide. Prepare or assist in developing submissions, briefing papers and correspondence.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of issues and trends in the out-of-home care sector.
• Contribute to the organisations research and consultation agenda and assist the process as outlined in the specific project plan and /or individual work plans.
• Assist in the promotion of CREATE’s advocacy position to key stakeholders
• Assist in the implementation of policy, research and advocacy initiatives.
• Participate as an active member of the Influencing Committee as required.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Work effectively in a small team, in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities to communicate CREATE’s advocacy and policy position internally and externally.
2. Actively engage and contribute to CREATE’s research and policy initiatives.
3. Appropriately collecting information from children and young people, and/or the OOHC sector to inform CREATE’s consultations and policy platform. This includes conducting interviews and participating in meetings or small groups with children and young people to hear and document their voices.
4. Collate and analyse data utilising the Survey Monkey platform.
5. Demonstrated strong commitment to CREATE’s core principles, and adherence to the National Chid Safe Standards.
6. Demonstrated ability to operate in a culturally appropriate manner.
7. Prepare quality/accurate reports utilising CREATE’s established templates and Style Guide. Prepare or assist in developing submissions, briefing papers and correspondence.
8. Participate as an active member of the Influencing Committee.

For all Applicants to be considered the Selection Criteria MUST be addressed in a separate document (max 4 pages)

All applicants MUST:

• Respond to the selection criteria in full
• Successfully undertake security checks to ensure that they are suitable to work with children (Blue Card or equivalent and/or Police checks).

1. Possess a minimum of a Bachelor Degree in Human Services / Psychology /Sociology / Social Science or a related discipline coupled with at least 3 years’ experience in a policy or research environment. Demonstrated knowledge of the out-of-home care sector (child protection) in Australia and ability to be an effective systemic advocate and adhere to the National Child Safe Standards.
2. Demonstrated understanding of the nexus between policy and research and well developed understanding of research processes. Experience in interviewing and engaging children and young people in activities such as forums, consultations, and research in a culturally safe manner. Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-cultural context.
3. Demonstrated high level written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate in an age appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.
4. Demonstrated ability to prepare high quality written materials including reports, briefing papers, and submissions and ability to meet deadlines and prioritise busy workload.
5. Proven ability to develop and maintain strong networks with key stakeholders. High level of skill in working in a multi-disciplinary team and contributing meaningfully to discussions/debates. High level of skill in problem solving with a solution focus.
6. Highly organised and highly effective time management skills. Ability to prioritise a busy workload and meet stipulated timeframes. Ability to follow instructions and complete work to a high standard. Ability to work autonomously and be proactive, show initiative, coupled with an ability to work as a productive member of a small team. Highly skilled at proactively ensuring that reports and deadlines for projects.
7. Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-cultural context, and ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ability to work within the National Child Safe Standards.
8. Successful Security Check per state requirements (for example Working with children card / Ochre card) and must comply with Government and/or health directives in each state jurisdiction, and where so indicated be vaccinated for COVID-19.
9. All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia. A copy of Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency status will be required.

A position description is attached.