• Work for a leading for purpose organisation
• Opportunity for a passionate advocate to make a difference
• 12 month contract role - Full time

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) is a leading for purpose organisation committed to ensuring ongoing empowerment and independence for people living with a spinal cord injury.  We are passionate about continually improving our services and providing maximum opportunity for those whose lives are affected by spinal cord injury.

We have a rewarding position of Policy & Advocacy Officer for a 12 month fixed term contract, with the possibility to extend beyond this period. The SCIA Advocacy Services team is at the forefront of advocating for the rights of people with Spinal Cord Injury at both systemic and individual level.

The focus of the role will be to undertake policy analysis across a broad range of disability, social and health-related areas and conduct research. The Policy and Advocacy team is at the forefront of advocating for the rights of people with Spinal Cord Injury and similar disabilities at both systemic and individual level.

SCIA has a broad and inclusive workforce and our head office team has a representation of approximately 25% of people living with disability.

Responsibilities of the role will include:

• Develop complex policy work in collaboration with the Policy and Advocacy Manager
• Undertake a broad range of writing projects including submissions to government inquiries, correspondence to state and federal parliamentarians and government agencies
• Engage and work with our membership to develop priority focus areas
• Engage and collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders at a local, state and national level
• Represent the organisation at various government and NGO forums and advisory groups
• Undertake research and develop strategies that look to improve complex interface issues across the NDIS, health, housing and employment

To succeed in the role, you will:

• Demonstrate proven skills to develop high-quality written materials, working autonomously on submissions, correspondence and briefing papers.
• Be an experienced collaborator and able to effectively engage with the policy and advocacy team.
• Possess a strong belief in pursuing equality and full inclusion for people living with spinal-cord injury (SCI) and other disabilities.

In addition, you will have experience and skills in the following areas:

• Demonstrated experience and skill in advocacy process and practice
• Demonstrated experience and confidence in participating in roundtable discussions with various levels of government
• A comprehensive understanding of the Disability sector and awareness of associated issues and barriers faced by individuals living with disability
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills
• Highly computer literate with strong database usage skills

SCIA offers:

• Supportive of flexible working arrangements
• A family-friendly work environment
• Ongoing training and development
• A health and wellbeing program
• A competitive remuneration package including PBI salary packaging options
• A dedicated, enthusiastic and supportive team environment

The position is to be worked in a full-time capacity (37.5 hours per week) and is based from both home and our Little Bay office. (During COVID this role will work mainly from their home location) People with a disability are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in this rewarding career opportunity please apply now.  You may also contact Judith on 1800 819 775 for more information.

 More information about Spinal Cord Injuries Australia can be found at www.scia.org.au.

Successful candidates are required to complete pre-employment screening including a criminal background check.