ABOUT THE JUSTICE ADVOCACY SERVICE (JAS)

Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) is a statewide free service dedicated to ensuring that people with cognitive impairment can exercise their rights within the criminal justice system. With the support of skilled volunteers, JAS assists individuals with diverse cognitive challenges, including intellectual disability, borderline intellectual function, acquired brain injury, alcohol and drug-related brain injury (such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder), autism spectrum disorder, and dementia.

JAS provides support 24/7 to people under arrest by Police.

ABOUT IDRS

Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) operates a disability advocacy service and community legal centre. IDRS aims to ‘make rights real’ for people with intellectual and other cognitive impairments through a variety of legal and advocacy services. We strive to demonstrate our values of justice, respect and persistence in all our work.

Visit our website idrs.org.au for more information about IDRS.

We strongly encourage First Nations people to apply for this role. Up to 40% of Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) clients identify as First Nations people, and this role provides a meaningful opportunity to support their rights and access to justice. As a Justice Advocate, your cultural knowledge and understanding of community would be invaluable in supporting fair treatment, respectful advocacy, and tailored support.

JUSTICE ADVOCATE ROLE - KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Justice Advocates deliver support to people with cognitive impairment, and co-ordinate volunteers and Police Station Support Workers to provide a quality support and advocacy service. Advocates support local volunteers with de-briefing and skill development to support the retention and growth of the local workforce.

Justice Advocates focus on the specific needs and rights of their clients and support clients to assert their rights, challenge decisions and actions to obtain justice and equality in their daily lives. They also support with relevant referrals and information that meets their needs.

Remote After hours and weekend on-call work (from home) is required to support the efficient and quality delivery of the JAS after hours service to people with cognitive impairment in police custody. This is on a roster basis and will occur about once every 4-5 weeks.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

IDRS is very serious about its duty to provide clients with a safe and professional service and to providing all people working at IDRS with a safe and healthy working environment. A National Police Check will be completed for recommended applicants. A working with children clearance needs to be provided by the successful person.

We are committed to fairness and inclusion and having a criminal record does not automatically exclude you from applying for this role. While we conduct employment screening, we consider each applicant’s circumstances individually and value lived experience.

SELECTION CRITERIA (MUST BE ADDRESSED)

Please give clear examples of how you meet each of the following criteria:

1. Experience working with diverse communities – Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with cognitive impairment or other marginalised groups, including examples of past jobs, responsibilities, or projects.

2. Advocacy skills – Proven ability to advocate for fair and just outcomes for marginalised individuals in legal issues, with examples of what you’ve done.

3. Communication skills – Ability to explain complex ideas simply and clearly, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of clients and stakeholders. Please describe relevant experiences where you have used good communication skills.

4. Technical proficiency – Competency in using client databases and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and SharePoint. Please give examples of how you’ve used them.

5. Understanding of systemic barriers – Awareness of the challenges impacting the rights of victims, suspects, and defendants with cognitive impairment within the criminal justice system, including what you did to try and overcome the barriers.

6. Teamwork and independence – Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment, including working remotely. Give practical examples of teamwork and self-directed work.

7. Cultural competence – Commitment to fostering a culturally safe and supportive space for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including clients, staff, volunteers and stakeholders. Explain your understanding and experience in culturally responsive practice.

8. Volunteer support – Skills and ability to mentor, support, and debrief frontline volunteers to ensure high-quality advocacy and service delivery. Give specific examples of volunteer related experience, skills that would transfer.

Desirable skills, knowledge, experience:

• Qualification in disability, human services and/or relevant management qualification.
• Experience working in and/or knowledge of the NSW the criminal justice system.
• Good understanding of work, health & safety responsibilities including self-care strategies.

Note: A National Police Check will be conducted for recommended applicants.

CONTACT

For enquiries, please contact Kelly Watson via email [email protected], using the subject line: Justice Advocate enquiry via Ethical Jobs, or telephone during business hours Monday to Friday on 0447 180 141.

This position is funded until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension depending on available funding.

A position description is attached.