• Reports to: Project Lead – Quality and Safeguarding
• Location: Perth
• Status: Full time, 38 hours per week (5 days)
• Fixed term contract until 30 June 2021

Organisation overview:

NDS is the national industry association for disability services, representing approximately 1,130 non-government organisations. Collectively, our members operate several thousand services for Australians with all types of disability. NDS’ members range in size from small support groups to large multi-service organisations, and are located in every State and Territory across Australia.

NDS promotes the full inclusion of people with disability and this commitment is outlined in our Disability Action Plan (DAP).

Position overview:

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. The Commission regulates NDIS providers, provide national consistency, promote safety and quality services, resolve problems and identify areas for improvement. Under the Bilateral Agreement, Western Australian is expected to transition to the Quality and Safeguarding Commission and Framework in July 2020.

Upholding and protecting the rights of people with disability is fundamental, including the right to live free from abuse, neglect and harm. Building the sectors capacity to continuously improve and be vigilant in preventing and responding to abuse, violence and neglect is vital to quality service responses and improved outcomes for people with disability.

This role oversees the delivery of a project with the objectives to develop and implement strategies (including training, mentoring and resources) to further the disability sector capacity in quality and safeguarding; and to identify and report on effectiveness of the strategies undertaken.

Key roles and responsibilities:

• Provide organisational specific mentoring and support to develop, implement and evaluate a capacity building program in regards to the NDIS Quality & Safeguarding requirements.
• Develop and deliver information, resources, material and training for disability services sector personnel to further organisational capacity to meet the NDIS Quality & Safeguarding requirements.
• Identify, analyse and report on current and emerging policy, strategies and barriers regarding the delivery services that achieve robust levels of quality and safeguarding.
• Participate in a range of local and national NDS initiatives regarding quality, safeguarding, human rights and the National Disability Service standards.
• Develop and support collaborative relationships and networks with stakeholders to strengthen the project and achieve outcomes including but not limited to people with disability and family members, the disability sector, education, training and employment providers; Government; and Business.
• Maintain productive relationships with internal and sector stakeholders to strengthen project capabilities, participate as a cooperative team member within NDS in WA and represent NDS as required.
• Other duties as required.

Key attributes:

1. Detailed knowledge of the NDIS Quality & Safeguarding requirements.
2. Experience in implementing organisational change.
3. Demonstrated expertise in mentoring others.
4. High level capacity to develop and deliver presentations (including in a training environment), materials and resources to assist and promote quality and safeguarding in the disability sector services.
5. High level consultation, communication and interpersonal skills with the demonstrated capacity to engage successfully with a range of external and internal stakeholders to achieve results.
6. Strong written communication, including the ability to write clear and accurate reports.
7. Demonstrated understanding of the issues facing the disability sector and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for people with a disability, particularly in regards to human rights, citizenship, quality and safeguarding.
8. Experience working in a team environment.
9. Computer Literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite.
10. Independent travel capability.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a police background check prior to commencing. Any expenses incurred in obtaining this will be reimbursed to the successful applicant only.