The Community Advocate is responsible for supporting constituents of Melbourne on behalf of the of the Member for Melbourne & Greens Leader Adam Bandt.

This includes 1:1 casework management, ensuring correspondence and requests for assistance received by the Member from constituents is responded to effectively, and necessary casework is undertaken and within a timely manner.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to all incoming requests for constituent assistance received by the MP’s office.
• Working efficiently to deliver the Members advocacy program to constituents;
  • achieve successful outcomes where possible on constituent cases and 
  • maintain the Members local profile.
• Providing 1:1 case assistance for constituents including;
  • Meeting with constituents
  • Researching, drafting and sending correspondence to State and Federal Ministers, government bodies and other organisations.
  • Liaising with Greens Federal and State portfolio holders, relevant Greens elected representatives and their staff to ensure timely and well considered responses and actions on cases.
  • Liaison with community based support services, Centrelink, Services Australia, social housing providers, local Councils, Housing Offices, social workers, community and private legal advisers and others as required.
  • Daily entry of communications and actions into CRM, ensuring records are accurate and updated in a timely fashion 
• Assist the Director to deliver a community advocacy strategy by; 
  • Building on and improving processes and resources 
  • Participation in existing cross office communications channels and engagement with cross office processes and process development.
  • Identify potential areas for collaboration and improvement across community and advocacy teams working with the federal and state MPs and local councillors.
• Alert the Director to emerging issues that require the Member’s attention and work with the Policy or CCE teams to respond, seek timely solutions, or escalate, including necessary administrative work.
• Timely updates to process documentation as identified by the Director.
• Allocation of cases to other staff and providing guidance as required.
• Lead and empower Leaders Office staff to respond to  constituent enquiries using CRM
• Use and maintain CRM to support work processes of the broader team.
• Other responsibilities as lawfully directed by the Member and Director, People and Culture.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Highly developed written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in local community advocacy or aligned profession, experience supporting or advocating for diverse communities. 
• An interest Australian politics and sound political judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify strategic case interventions and a capacity to comprehend complex issues, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Mature outlook and demonstrated ability manage competing priorities and work deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Outstanding organisational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team, under time constraints and strict deadlines, with a minimum of supervision. 
• Demonstrated facilitation and negotiation skills when working with stakeholders with different views.
• Excellent computer skills in word processing, CRM and email programs, and knowledge of Microsoft Office & Google Workspace.
• Mental health first aid or other equivalent training is helpful.

EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE / PERSONAL QUALITIES

The following abilities and personal qualities are desirable:

• Understanding of the Australian political context and local issues and context in the electorate of Melbourne including awareness of key local actors.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Australian Greens’ policies how they relate to other political parties and NGOs’ policies.
• Awareness of party structure and operations of the Australian Greens.
• Experience of working in a political, community or community legal, social work or related field 
• Relevant qualifications and experience
• Flexibility and initiative.
• Ability to work co-operatively in a close, teamwork environment.
• Enthusiasm and self-direction and ability to work effectively and amicably under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide cross section of internal and external stakeholders
• A respect for sensitive and confidential information.
• A commitment to the Australian Greens’ Charter and principles.
• Sense of humour.

benefits

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984, with employment conditions outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-2023. 

In addition to salary and allowances you will receive:

• Generous employer-sponsored superannuation of 15%. 
• Access to ongoing professional development and access to training and education provided by the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Collective Agreement 2020-2023. 
• Travel allowance for the occasions you are required to travel for work.
• Upon reaching suitable competency standards and a minimum of 12 months ongoing employment, a competency assessment for salary progression.

All employees are expected to sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement prior to the commencement of their employment. A probationary period of 3 months will apply.

For more information contact Emma Garbutt – 0437 771 493 (during business hours).

The Australian Greens encourage applications from any interested and qualified people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. We don’t discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

We welcome people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for all our roles.