Background

Grampians disAbility Advocacy Association Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation providing advocacy support for people with a disability in Western Victoria since 1996.

Its activities are funded by State and Federal levels of Government, and occasionally philanthropic trusts. GdA is managed by a Board of Governance elected by its members.

GdA advocates for people with any kind of disability from a human rights perspective, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Advocacy is also about helping people to advocate for themselves and become empowered during the process.
 
GdA Vision

An equitable and inclusive society that upholds the rights of all people to be empowered and thrive in life.
 
GdA Mission

GdA stands beside people with a disability as they:

• Are empowered to live the life they choose
• Understand and act on their human rights
• Connect and build confidence, independence and friendships

GdA has five program areas:

• General Advocacy (including Indigenous Advocacy)
• NDIS Appeals Support
• Information, Linkages and Capacity Building
• Peer Support
• Systemic Advocacy

Position Purpose and Function

This position is a management role. The Executive Officer is responsible for supervising the work of advocates, and intake/admin/finance officers, and overseeing the operations of all GdA sites. Project managers also report directly to the EO. The EO works closely with the Board of Governance, implementing the Strategic Plan and maintaining oversight of risk assessment and all aspects of management.

This position requires experience in the community services sector and highly developed management and communication skills. It requires a relevant tertiary qualification and/or considerable experience in interacting with Boards, clients, stakeholders and staff.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in conjunction with the GdA Board of Governance
• Work within GdA’s stated philosophy and objectives
• Implement advocacy and other programs
• Implement the Strategic Plan and Reconciliation Action Plan
• Supervise advocates and administrative staff
• Ensure a safe working environment
• Liaise with State and Federal Government funding bodies.
• Represent GdA in the media
• Facilitate the provision of IT services to ensure the smooth operation of the organisation
• Oversee general office administration

Specific Duties

Management duties

• Management of GdA Advocacy Programs, including supervision of staff, responding and reporting to funding bodies, and media liaison.
• Fiduciary responsibility for the organisation, in collaboration with the Board of Governance.
• Ensuring GdA service provision complies with both Federal and State Disability Services Standards, including organising regular external auditing
• Manage any programming sub-contract arrangements within the organisation

Organisational Management and Team Work

• Facilitate Board meetings and oversee advocacy staff meetings and training
• Prepare and present a monthly report to the Board
• Meet with the Board Chair at a mutually agreeable time between Board meetings
• Meet with Performance and Review Committee twice a year (May and November) to review EO progress and organisational operations
• Co-ordinate operational aspects concerned with Strategic Planning and Risk Management
• Implement continuous improvement measures.
• Oversee increasing GdA membership throughout the region.

Partnerships and Relationships

• Foster and oversee all aspects of the partnership with First Nations Disability Network to deliver Indigenous Advocacy in Victoria and foster growth of the relationship with that peak body
• Manage the sub-contract relationship with Barwon Disability Resource Council in the delivery of Individual Advocacy and NDIS Appeals Support
• Receive regular partnership reports from GdA’s Partnership and Projects Manager

Other Relationships

• Represent the organisation at networks at a regional, state or national level, in conjunction with a representative of the Board where possible.
• Participate in the regional, state and national planning and development of disability related policies and services, as appropriate
• Raise community awareness of GdA’s role and activities and promote GdA generally.
• Actively participate in collaboration opportunities provided by the Victorian Rural Advocacy Network (VicRAN)

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The position is one that requires a substantial amount of travel from time to time. This is to attend network meetings and conferences and to visit GdA outlets and advocates across the serviced region. A vehicle is available for the Executive Officer through salary packaging. The role can be a demanding one that requires highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills. Professional external supervision is offered and is recommended.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

**Please note that the KSC must be completed for the application to be considered.

It is essential to address each of the 12 items below (items 1-10 require a minimum of 50 words per item)
 
Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or extensive experience in a management role.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse team.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and representative organisations.
• Proven ability to plan and work strategically with sound knowledge and skills in management and organisational governance.
• Experience in working effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience in budgeting, reporting and financial management with a range of funding agreements.
• Proven ability and/or commitment to work effectively with a Board.
• Demonstrated ability to appropriately represent and advocate on behalf of the organisation to a diverse audience, including Members of Parliament, funding bodies, media and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated high level written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with influence.
• Current knowledge of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons and the Victorian Charter of Rights and Responsibilities

Desirable

• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
• Familiarity with the law relating to disability, including the NDIS.

HOURS OF WORK

The position is 38 hours per week. The normal hours of work are between 9am and 5.30pm. Days and hours may be varied by arrangement. A hybrid Working from Home agreement can be negotiated.

FUNDING SOURCES

The position is ongoing (subject to availability and funding).  Current funding for GdA comes from State and Federal Governments and philanthropic organisations.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Executive Officer is accountable to GdA’s Board of Governance.

GdA staff are responsible to the Executive Officer on a day-day basis.  Overall operational responsibility lies with the Executive Officer who reports to the Board.  Responsibility for overall governance and strategic direction lies with the Board of Governance.

SALARY

The salary range is 8.1-8.3 of the SCHADS Award, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary packaging is available. A GdA vehicle is offered for full personal use and can be salary packaged.

LOCATION

The position is based in Ararat in Western Victoria.  The Executive Officer may be required to travel within rural Victoria and to Melbourne.  From time to time the EO may be requested to undertake work outside normal business hours and this may sometimes involve overnight stays.

No overtime pay is available, but provision is made to accumulate time in lieu under the provisions of the SCHADS Award 2010.

REFEREES

Shortlisted applicants will need to supply the details of two professional referees and one personal referee.
 
Grampians disAbility Advocacy Association Inc is an equal opportunity employer

People with lived experience of disability are encouraged to apply

ANY QUERIES?

Phone 03 5352 2722, or check out www.grampiansadvocacy.org.au

A position description is attached.