• An exciting opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of issues relating to disability and advocacy
• Multiple roles based in Carlton
• An attractive salary of $79,889 - $85,956 (VPSG3.2)

About us

The Victorian Public Advocate is empowered by law to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disability.

The Public Advocate is supported by staff and volunteers at the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA), including guardians, policy and research officers, advice and education staff, legal officers, corporate and administrative staff, and more than 650 volunteers.

About the role

The Advice and Education Officer is part of the Advice & Education Service, which sits within the Advice & Response Program.

The Advice Service responds to over 15,000 calls a year from family members and service providers on a diverse range of issues relating to disability and advocacy.

The Community Education program offers information sessions for both professional and community audiences on a range of topics including the role of OPA, guardianship and administration, enduring powers of attorney and medical decision making. These sessions are delivered by staff across OPA including the Advice Service.

A small team of advice service officers staff this service, which operates during business hours.

Some of the responsibilities of the Advice and Education Officer are to:

• Provide accurate information and advice to phone and written enquiries, proactively taking an educative role in the delivery of expert advice
• Liaise with relevant OPA program areas on complex matters arising from calls to the Advice Service
• Provide individual short-term advocacy on behalf of people with a disability in a manner that promotes their human rights and dignity
• Participate in the Community Education Program by delivering information sessions to professionals and general public audiences
• Participate in the orientation, training and support for new Advice Service staff and other staff required to undertake Advice Service duties.

About you

As our successful candidate, you will have/be:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Victorian human services sector, particularly disability, mental illness and aged care service systems
• An understanding of the issues relating to disability, including mental illness and aged related disability
• Excellent verbal and written communication, intercommunication and presentation skills
• A team player with exceptional interpersonal skills
• Commitment to service excellence.