ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Advocate delivers trauma-informed, rights-based advocacy to adults with disability in Queensland correctional centres. Under the supervision and direction of the Principal Advocate and other QAI staff as required, the role provides advocacy, advice, information and referrals to people in custody, including support with reasonable adjustments, access to disability, health, legal and community supports, and advocacy to facilitate access to appropriate supports and services (pre-release planning) both during custody and as people prepare to return to the community.

The position is full time or part time (minimum 60 hours per fortnight), commencing as soon as possible until 30 June 2027. The role falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award) and will be paid above award rates, with duties in line with Level 5.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide trauma-informed, rights-based advocacy to adults with disability in Queensland correctional centres.
• Support people in custody to access disability, health, legal and community supports, including reasonable adjustments, NDIS access and pre-release planning.
• Build referral pathways and stakeholder relationships that improve outcomes for people with disability in contact with the justice system.
• Contribute to the establishment, facilitation and ongoing development of the Disability Justice Community of Practice, including sharing practice insights, supporting cross-sector learning and identifying opportunities for systems improvement.
• Collect, record and report client, service delivery, stakeholder engagement and project outcome information in accordance with QAI policies, funding requirements and contract reporting obligations, including contributing to evaluation, continuous improvement and evidence-informed project development.
• Participation in the network for Queensland disability advocates
• Identify issues requiring systemic reform in relation to the rights of people with disability.
• Contribute to the review, design and development of resources to assist people with disability to self-advocate.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity.
• Minimum two years’ experience delivering individual and/or systemic advocacy, or comparable experience in the disability, human rights, legal, health, social justice or community services sector.
• Experience working with people in contact with the criminal justice system, in custody, or transitioning from institutional or closed settings.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex issues, develop advocacy strategies and exercise sound judgment with a level of independence.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage respectfully with people with disability, families, supporters, service providers, government agencies and people in positions of authority.
• Well-developed organisational, written and reporting skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, meet deadlines and contribute to planning, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Current Blue Card, Disability Worker Screening and Police Check or the ability to gain them.

Desirable:

• Lived experience of disability.
• Tertiary qualifications in disability or health related studies, social work, legal or education.
• Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre or Disability Advocacy Organisation would be advantageous.
• Ability to travel to meet clients, including outreach.

About Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion

We are an independent organisation that advocates for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland. We are a registered Charity and community legal centre that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life. We provide advocacy to individuals through our three advocacy practices and this work informs our systemic advocacy that engages in campaigns and submissions directed at changing attitudes, law and policy.

WHY WORK FOR QAI

We are an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and were the first organisation to opt in to being bound by the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld).

We encourage people with disability, First Nations and LGBTIQA+ people to apply as the position would benefit from a person with lived-living experiences. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments if required to assist the application and recruitment process.

We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture, as we take the well-being of our staff seriously. Our well-being program includes staff activities such as walks by the river, yoga, learning Auslan or potluck lunches, creating opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens.

We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment, professional supervision, paid parental leave, other additional leaves and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.

QAI is willing to customise the role to facilitate candidates with disability.

Next Steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Please address any questions to Megan, Chief Operating Officer on 07 3844 4200 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Disability Advocate enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.