About Audiology Australia

Audiology Australia is the peak professional association representing audiologists in Australia. Established in 1968, it has a current membership of over 2,800 audiologists representing approximately 95% of the profession.

Audiology Australia's mission is to provide leadership in the science and practice of audiology through advocacy, education and networking. We enable audiologists to deliver the highest standards of person-centred care.

Audiology Australia provides professional accreditation for audiologists. Professional accreditation by Audiology Australia is a requirement to provide audiological services that fall under Medicare, the Hearing Services Program, state and territory work cover schemes, as well as many private health insurance funds.

The profession of audiology is self-regulating, and Audiology Australia strives to help our members achieve the highest standards when delivering services to their clients.

About the role

The primary purpose of the Policy Officer position is to support the Advocacy and Policy Manager with the development of submissions, position statements and internal and external policy documents on issues that are of key importance to the members of Audiology Australia. This role will also provide support for the development of standards and guidelines that will enable Audiology Australia members to undertake best practice, evidence-based audiological practice.

The role is advertised at 1.0 FTE, however, applications for the role at 0.8 FTE will also be considered.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Advocacy and Policy Manager, the Policy Officer role will involve:

• Building/maintaining a current knowledge of key issues of importance to Audiology Australia and its members
• Identifying government, parliamentary and agency inquiries covering issues relevant to Audiology Australia and its members and draft and coordinate submissions in response
• Researching and preparing position statements and other internal and external member policy documents
• Supporting the development of standards for evidence-based, contemporary audiological practice in Australia.
• Providing secretarial support for the Board and/or Audiology Australia member working groups to develop policy initiatives
• Preparing reports, briefs and correspondence to inform the Board, members and other key stakeholders of relevant policy activities
• Developing regular updates on policy activities for member publications
• Representing Audiology Australia at stakeholder meetings as required
• Other policy duties as requested from time to time by the Advocacy and Policy Manager

Benefits

You will be part of a small team based at the Audiology Australia National Office in Cremorne, Victoria. Audiology Australia is an equal opportunity employer and provides a flexible and supportive working environment. Employees may therefore request flexible work arrangements to assist them in balancing work and life commitments. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible arrangements with the contact person during the recruitment process.

Key selection criteria

Required

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a policy role
• Strong written and verbal skills with demonstrated capacity to:
  • develop a wide variety of policy documents, including submissions, position statements and member policies
  • build and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to independently undertake complex research, quickly synthesise information, and make recommendations for actions
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Proven capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently with minimal supervision
• Sound knowledge of the Australian health sector

Desirable

• Tertiary qualification in policy, health, law or other relevant field
• Experience working for a not-for-profit, member-based association

To learn more about Audiology Australia, visit our website www.audiology.asn.au.