DRC is offering two internships to students or recent graduates with disability* from community services, disability, youth work or similar areas of study to assist in the development of a Youth Advisory Group for the organisation.

Key Information

• 10 hours per week for 10-12 weeks (flexible)
• $28.95 per hour plus super
• Employment Period: 7 November 22 - 28 February 23 (any 10-12 week period within this time frame, with a minimum 2 week break over the Christmas/New Year period).
• Location: Melbourne CBD, with hybrid and remote working options available, including for applicants in regional Victoria
• Interviews: 24 - 26 October

About DRC

The Disability Resources Centre (DRC) is an advocacy organisation led by and for Victorians with disabilities. Founded in 1981, the organisation has a long history of providing issues-based advocacy for individuals as well as campaigning for systemic changes that ensure all Victorians with disabilities can exercise their human rights and enjoy equal inclusion in society.

About the role

DRC is seeking two students or recent graduates living with disability* to participate in paid work experience with our Systemic Advocacy Team over the summer period. Successful candidates will help design and recruit members for DRC’s new Youth Advisory Group. The Advisory Group will bring together Victorians with disabilities aged 18-30 to advise our Board on advocacy issues impacting emerging generations. Tasks for the internship will include:

• Researching effective advisory groups and their functions;
• Conducting qualitative research (interviews, focus groups) with young people with disabilities about their attitudes towards advisory groups and governance;
• Partnering with the DRC Board to define the scope of the advisory group's role within the organisation;
• Collaborating with DRC staff to design the advisory group structure and recruit participants;
• Drafting advertising collateral for the group; and
• Collaborating with DRC and young people with disabilities to design an accessible onboarding program.

In addition to these project-related tasks, interns will attend DRC's monthly Board meetings to observe governance in action and will present to the Board on the outcome of their project at the end of the employment period.

About You

We encourage anyone who meets the criteria below to apply. If you’re passionate about fostering opportunities for young people with disabilities to take on leadership roles, we think you’ll like this job. We are a small team of dedicated advocacy, executive and communications professionals living with disability, and we’re excited to offer work experience to emerging colleagues in the field.

Essential Criteria:

• Has completed at least one year of study in social work, disability, community services or a related discipline;
• Identifies as having a disability (see definition below);
• Is a resident of the state of Victoria;
• Is aged 18 to 30 (inclusive); and
• Is currently studying or has graduated in the past two years.

*Defining Disability:

DRC Advocacy is a disability-led organisation, meaning we prioritise employing people with disabilities. Having a disability is inclusive of but not limited to:

• Physical disabilities;
• Learning disabilities;
• Sensory disabilities;
• Being Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing;
• Speech/communication conditions;
• Being blind or vision impaired;
• Chronic health conditions (eg. MS, arthritis, Chronic Fatigue/ME);
• Prolonged physical or mental illness;
• Mental health conditions; and
• Neurodiversity (eg. Autism, ADHD)

If you're not sure if you meet this criteria, please feel free to contact Anja Homburg via email [email protected] using the subject line: Paid Internship - Disability Advocacy and Community Development enquiry via EthicalJobs or phone 0415 787 136 for a non-judgemental, confidential chat.

Accessibility

DRC is committed to being an accessible and flexible workplace. We will gladly discuss how best to accommodate your individual needs and optimal working conditions at the interview stage.