The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an independent statutory office established to protect the rights and interests of adults with impaired decision-making capacity, and children and young people in the child protection system and other visitable sites. Join us as we protect, support, advocate, educate and empower, to build a Queensland where our most vulnerable community members can live with dignity. Please visit the OPG website to learn more.

• Fixed-term temporary, flexible full-time
• AO6 classification
• CBD location, close to public transport

about the role

The Principal Guardian conducts complex and sensitive structured personal and health care decision making and advocacy for adults with impaired capacity where the Public Guardian acts as appointed guardian or attorney or as statutory health attorney of last resort. Principal Guardians ensure a client’s rights, interests, views, wishes, and preferences are elevated and centred in all decision making and advocacy activities.

key responsibilities

• Undertake structured decision making in complex/conflicted situations adhering to organisational policies, practice directions and organisational and legislative frameworks.
• Participate in health care decision making including working weekends and public holidays as required.
• Provide mentoring and support to a small team of guardianship staff to ensure they achieve the performance standards expected by the Office of the Public Guardian.
• Ensuring all client-related documentation and guardianship activities are appropriately recorded, accurate and up to date, including Guardianship reports, decision reports, visit reports, health care decisions and file running notes.
• Provide professional level advice, information and support to the Public Guardian and their delegates, particularly in relation to positive behaviours support and restrictive practices.
• Liaise with and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders including community groups, government departments and other agencies involved in providing services to adults with impaired decision-making capacity.
• Participate in community education/ liaison activities as a representative of the Public Guardian including undertaking public speaking engagements.
• Use professional experience and expertise to evaluate and interpret behaviours support documents from an evidence based and human rights perspective.

Tertiary qualifications in law and experience in criminal justice, domestic and family violence and/or child protection sectors is highly desirable.

mandatory role conditions

Possession of a C class driver’s licence is a mandatory requirement for this role, as travel is required to attend meetings, events, and visits in a range of locations that are often not accessible by alternative means. Guardianship activities may include overnight travel to regional areas for up to a week.

A position description is attached.