• Part Time 22 hours per week
• Duration: Fixed term until 30th June 2021
• Hourly rate: $30 – $35
• Holt

Carers ACT is the recognised, expert voice with, and for carers while being the major provider of carer services and supports in the ACT and Southern Highlands Region. Our dedicated and skilled staff play an essential role in developing the organisation's goals and priorities to meet our mission.

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to provide high quality, professional advocacy support to carers of people with disability, aged care, mental health, drug & alcohol misuse and foster/kinship carers

Key responsibilities

• Respond to requests for advocacy support from carers and foster and kinship carers
• Undertake intake and needs assessments with clients and develop advocacy support plans
• Liaise with a range of stakeholders and explore appropriate support options for carers
• Support carers to self-advocate
• Work with carers to empower and support them to navigate relevant service systems
• Implement appropriate supports including referral, liaison and negotiation with service providers
• Regular liaison and proactive follow up with carers to ensure progress against the advocacy plan
• Provide information to carers on Carers ACT and Carer Gateway services, as well as information and referral to other appropriate service providers
• Use accidental counselling skills when required and refer carers to appropriate services for emotional support
• Engage with a broad community of carers including carers from diverse backgrounds
• Ensure advocacy services are inclusive and culturally appropriate
• Undertake other work related to the position as required
• Identify systemic issues and service gaps for carers, and make appropriate recommendations to the manager;
• Participate in the development and implementation of the annual operations plan and work plan;

Selection Criteria

• Qualifications in health, aged care or disability fields or lived experience in these fields;
• Experience in the provision of advocacy support, community development, community services or out of home care would be an advantage;
• Demonstrated empathetic and flexible approach to manage the sensitivities of carer issues; Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to develop effective relationships, promote services and resolve issues;
• Demonstrated computer literacy and ability to prepare effective correspondence and documentation;
• Ability to work autonomously with a team focus to contribute to program objectives;
• Demonstrated understanding of caring issues within a community environment to coordinate quality service delivery;
• Current Working with Vulnerable People Registration & National Police Record Check or the ability to obtain
• Current Driver's License

Benefits

• Attractive Salary package
• Free on-site parking
• Ongoing commitment to professional development
• Access to Not for Profit salary packaging benefits

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.