the ROLE:

The role of the Advocate is to work one-to-one with people from ethnic backgrounds with a disability and/or their carers to ensure and facilitate access to services, and equitable treatment within services.

The Advocate will support clients to access the supports they need to achieve their goals and advocate on their behalf to protect and promote their rights. The Advocate may be involved with participants in a case management role.

DUTIES:

• Conduct accurate and appropriate assessments of clients’ presenting issues, needs and strengths; and identify realistic goals.
• Develop a Client Support Plan (CSP) for each client to identify their personal resources, strengths, capacities and aspirations and incorporate them in the implementation of the Plan.
• Support and empower clients with disability to advocate on their own behalf and build their skills and knowledge to protect and promote their rights.
• Participate in relevant service networks and contribute to further improvement of ADEC’s Advocacy program.
• Deliver presentations for groups, community members and network meeting participants as required.
• Learn and use ADEC’s client management database, and other databases and web-based programs as required.
• Manage client records including electronic and case files and ensure timely completion and reporting of service delivery as per contract and audit requirements.
• Assist clients to access the supports they require to achieve their goals.
• Support a program of capacity-building and empowerment of persons with disability to advocate on their own behalf.
• Support a program of self-advocacy training to enable clients to represent themselves, including engagement with other service providers as required to organise and deliver self-advocacy/capacity building sessions for target cohorts.
• Provide secondary consultations to service providers who are seeking assistance in working with people from ethnic backgrounds.
• Assist the Advocacy Supervisor to prepare for compliance audits.
• Other duties within the reasonable scope of this role as directed by the Advocacy Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with ADEC policies and procedures, relevant disability legislation and regulations, and contractual requirements to ensure that all duties are undertaken within an effective risk management framework.
• Support the ADEC Advocacy team to provide quality, best practice, innovative services for clients.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders including relevant service providers and government departments, to enhance the effectiveness of service delivery and promote understanding and awareness of ADEC services.
• Market the Advocacy program within the ethnic communities and partner organisations.
• Undertake specific tasks and projects as agreed with the Advocacy Supervisor.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

The Advocate’s performance will be measured against the following criteria:

• Achievement of outcomes in partnership with people with disability from ethnic communities.
• Maintenance of participants’ files and case work.
• Promotion of ADEC programs to potential referral sources.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in the field of Social Work, International Relations or Human Rights.
• Cert IV or higher qualification in Case Management, or equivalent.
• Ability to plan a program of support with participants and to deliver it successfully.
• Ability to accurately collect statistics, record data, and maintain records.
• Excellent coordination and time management skills.
• Hold a valid and current licence to drive a motor vehicle, issued by the appropriate authority in the jurisdiction in which the holder will drive, and appropriate to the type of vehicle to be driven.
• Current Working with Children check.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working with people with disability and carers, from ethnic communities.
• Previous experience of working in advocacy rules and capacity in community services sector.
• Previous experience of working with volunteers.
• Experience in program implementation.

Information regarding Job Position:

• Multiple positions available
• Dandenong Office - Part-Time Fixed Term 30.4 hours per week Level: 3:1
• Award and classification: All ADEC employees are employed under the terms, conditions and entitlements of the Modern Award – Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (the Award); and the National Employment Standards (NES). The classification for this position is Level 3.

What you’ll get in return:

As the successful candidate, you’ll be offered the opportunity to work within an ethical organisation where you can make a positive impact to the community.

You’ll also receive:

• Salary packaging options
• Great team environment
• Chance to make a difference

What you need to do now:

Please submit your application by pressing Apply Now to submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and cover letter.

ADEC is an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly support the principles of equal opportunity in the workplace. Persons with disability and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this position.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

A position description is attached.