Are you passionate about human rights and social justice?

Advocacy for Inclusion is looking for a qualified person to join our growing team as an Individual Advocate.

About Advocacy for Inclusion:

Advocacy for Inclusion (AFI) is a registered charity which provides a range of advocacy, including national systemic advocacy, and training services. We represent Canberra’s most marginalised and isolated people with disabilities, including those persons with cognitive disabilities and significant communication barriers.

AFI works within a Human Rights framework which recognises the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of people with disabilities. We support the benchmarks set out in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Our organisation is an entity subject to the obligation to act with human rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 2004.

Summary of responsibilities:

The Individual Disability Advocate provides individual and self-advocacy support to people with disabilities. You will work with individuals to achieve their desired outcomes through liaison with organisations, support services and key stakeholders. You will also assist workers in other organisations seeking support or information, and/or family members on matters regarding services and issues for people with disabilities.

While this position has a primary focus on providing individual and self-advocacy support, you will also contribute to systemic advocacy by alerting the AFI Senior Policy Advisor to emerging issues. You will contribute to a well-managed organisation through team participation, maintaining up to date records, and providing reports as necessary.

Key outcomes:

• People with disabilities achieve their desired advocacy outcomes;
• People with disabilities understand and exercise their rights;
• People with disabilities achieve greater equality in justice processes;
• People with disabilities exercise greater decision making and choice about processes they are involved in;
• Governance and contractual requirements of the organisation are met;
• Contribute to organisational development as part of the team;
• Advocacy issues are translated into systemic issues;
• Participate in training, networks, forums, and conferences as required;
• A team with high health and safety outcomes;
• Attend regular staff meetings.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Strong understanding of individual advocacy and achieving outcomes;
• Familiarity in working with people with disabilities, particularly people with communication barriers, cognitive disabilities, or those who are isolated;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong understanding of the human rights of people with disabilities;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

This position requires a current Working with Vulnerable People registration.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with computers, particularly database software;
• Current drivers’ licence
• First aid certificate

A position description is attached.