• Pay Point: Community Sector MEA (ACT) level 5.1
• Hours: Part-time 20 hours per week (with out of works hours as needed)

The NDIS Appeals Advocate provides a key role in providing information and advocacy support to people with a disability seeking to appeal decisions made by the National Disability Insurance Agency, enabling them to make their own choices and have their rights and interests respected.

About AFI:

Advocacy for Inclusion incorporating People with Disabilities ACT is a leading independent organisation providing dedicated individual and self-advocacy services and training, information, and resources in the ACT. We deliver reputable systemic advocacy at both the ACT and national level, informed by our extensive experience in individual advocacy and community and government consultation.

Advocacy for Inclusion works within a human rights framework. We are informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is a declared public authority under the ACT Human Rights Act 2004. All staff are expected to understand these instruments and work within their parameters.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Advocacy Team Leader, the NDIS Appeals Officer will deliver the NDIS Appeals service (Formerly External Merits Review).

As the NDIS Appeals Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Directly assisting and supporting clients in the drafting and submitting of applications to the AAT
• Assist applicants to self-advocate where possible, or provide individual advocacy support;
• Attending AAT conferences and hearings or similar with or on behalf of clients
• Help applicants who wish to put their cases forward for a review of NDIA decisions
• Aid clients in navigating the NDIS Appeals process
• Draft and prepare documents relating to the lodgement of NDIS Appeals
• Support clients at case conferences, conciliations, and hearings
• Refer clients for legal funding where the matter raises complex or novel issues

The position is also responsible for a range of administrative and reporting activities and requirements.

The successful applicant will:

• Be tertiary qualified and have significant demonstrated experience in a discipline such as Law, Legal Studies, or other relevant qualification including Social Sciences or similar.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team, have strong written and verbal communication skills, including knowledge of alternate communication forms.
• Knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the NDIS appeals process, or the Administrative Appeals process or similar tribunal
• An understanding of the issues faced by people with a disability in their engagements with the NDIS
• Current Working with Vulnerable People Check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply, including people with disabilities.

A position description is attached.