• Hours: Full time
• Remuneration: $70,408 - $75,761 per year classified under the SCHADS Award at Level 4 pay point 1. Salary is negotiable based on experience.
• Status: 12-month contract with potential for ongoing, subject to funding.
• Location: Based in Melbourne CBD and flexible working from home option.

About Deaf Victoria

Established in 1982, Deaf Victoria (DV) is the peak representative and advocacy body for Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians. Our vision is a world in which Deaf and hard of hearing people experience equality, opportunity and connection, and are valued for their unique contributions towards a diverse society. Our core work is to advance the needs and aspirations of Deaf and hard of hearing people, break down barriers and build foundations for a society that acknowledges and celebrates their contributions and capabilities.

We do this through engaging deeply with our stakeholders and advocating for improved human rights and equal opportunities through using our shared lived experience and knowledge.

Deaf Victoria receives funding for this role from the Office for Disability within the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Position description

Major duties

To provide individual advocacy assistance, advice and referral to deaf and hard of hearing people.

1. To ensure timely and appropriate intake and referral processes, receive and respond to referrals and work with other staff members to triage service requests and manage caseloads.
2. To empower deaf and hard of hearing people with basic self-advocacy skills through individual advocacy.
3. To produce written documentation within tight timeframes, including letters of support, meeting minutes and reporting of advocacy data, whilst maintaining detailed and up-to-date client file notes.
4. To inform the General Manager of systemic advocacy issues.
5. To contribute to Deaf Victoria’s service planning and policy development and implement continuous quality improvement and quality assurance strategies.
6. To participate in meetings, conferences, forums, events, staff meetings, professional development and organisational development activities.
7. Carry out any other duties may assign to you, having regard to your skills, training and experience.

Key selection criteria

Essential criteria

Demonstrated experience in advocacy and human rights-based settings working with people with disability, especially deaf and hard of hearing people.

1. Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply legislation and policy that impact upon the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people in order to produce persuasive advocacy documents of a high standard.
2. The ability to interpret and evaluate complex client reports including NDIS plans and policies, psychosocial assessments, medical reports, court reports, Guardianship and Administration orders and support plans in order to inform effective advocacy.
3. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and the ability to work effectively with people in stress or crisis.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment efficiently and effectively under pressure.
5. Lived experience of being Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing in Australia[1].

Desirable criteria

Qualifications in a relevant field, such as youth work, social work or law

1. Experience of case management or individual advocacy.
2. Knowledge of the NDIS and its impact on the Victorian disability advocacy sector and deaf and hard of hearing people.
3. Demonstrated understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children and young people of diverse needs and backgrounds and an ability to work within a framework of inclusivity. Commitment to working within Victorian Child Safety Standards and the Code of Ethical Practice for the Victorian Youth Sector.

Reporting

The Advocacy Officer reports to the Deaf Victoria General Manager. The role works closely with the Intake and Advocacy Officer. There are no direct reports to this role.

Benefits of working at Deaf Victoria

• Accessible, supportive and culturally Deaf safe workplace
• High degree of autonomy and support
• Sector-leading professional development
• Career enhancing opportunities by working with a Deaf General Manager
• Flexible hours that promote work-life balance
• Collaborative atmosphere with other organisations in the deaf and advocacy sectors
• Salary packaging is available

Employment conditions

Deaf Victoria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People with disability, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

All employees are subject to screening and assessment against child safety standards, including rigorous background, identity and reference checks. The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children Check and Police Check (costs reimbursed) and must agree to adhere to our child safe policy and code of conduct.

[1]This position is targeting a group of applicants (deaf or hard of hearing people) who have a protected attribute (disability) as defined in the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. As such, the essential selection criteria for the applicant to be deaf or hard of hearing is a ‘special measure,’ permitted in line with this legislation. More information: https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/for-organisations/special-measures/

If you are interested in this position, you are strongly encouraged to organise a discussion with Philip Waters to get a good understanding of the role and ask any questions you may have. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity as this will help you decide if you have the skills to undertake this role.

Information webinars will be held in Auslan on Tuesday 19 April and Wednesday 20 April 6-6:30pm to inform interested candidates about the role. Potential applicants only need to attend one webinar. These webinars will be live streamed via Zoom and there will be an opportunity for applicants to ask questions anonymously to protect the identity of potential applicants. To participate in either webinar, use this link.

If you experience any difficulties in joining, please contact Philip Waters on 0405 419 866.