• Protect and advance the rights of older people in our community 

• Join our fast-growing team of aged care advocates 

• Transfer your community sector experience to advocacy

Make a difference! Help protect the rights and raise the voice of older people.

In a post Royal Commission environment with a growing focus on human rights in aged care, it has never been more important for older people to have a strong voice to protect and advance their rights.

We are looking for someone with a passion for making a difference to one of the most vulnerable groups in the country during this critical reform period. That person must have compassion for older people, be able to educate and inform about rights and quality of care and will have the ability to empower an older person to have the confidence to self-advocate.

If you have a background in allied health, nursing, emergency response, teaching or frontline roles with a non-government organisation or government service, we are keen to talk to you about building on your existing knowledge, experience, and skills.

About Us

Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia) is a not-for-profit, independent, community-based advocacy and education service with 30 years’ experience in supporting and improving the wellbeing of older people and people with disability. ADA Australia provides quality advocacy services to older people and people with disability, giving vulnerable Australians a voice through information, education, and support. Headquartered in Brisbane we provide advocacy services to older people and people with disability in metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote communities across Queensland.  Our services are free, confidential and client focused.

We are a proud member of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN). For more information about OPAN members, roles available across our national network and how to apply, visit www.opan.org.au/AdvocateJobs. 

About the role

• Location: South Brisbane

We are currently seeking an Elder Abuse Advocate for South Brisbane to provide information, education, support, and representation to older people in residential aged care facilities at risk of elder abuse by their decision makers, carers, friends, or family.  The advocate will ensure clients are sufficiently informed to empower them to make their own choices and have their rights and interests respected. 

A typical day will involve: 

• Providing individual advocacy and information, support for older people experiencing or at risk of experiencing abuse and referrals to older people or their representatives

• Advocating on client’s behalf or supporting clients to advocate for themselves

• Connecting clients with relevant services that can assist in the advocacy process

• Providing information and educational sessions to residents of aged care homes, retirement villages, carers, health care professionals and other community organisations 

• Participating in special seniors’ events, information days, displays and exhibitions in your local area

• Supporting clients through the tribunal hearing process for guardianship/administration or enduring power of attorney matters as supervised by the Principal Lawyer or their delegate

• Networking and promoting OPAN's services. 

We provide a dedicated onboarding training program for Aged Care Advocates to help you settle into your role. 

About you

We are looking for people who display empathy, passion and dedication to older Australians who will: 

• Promote and uphold the rights of older people in our community 

• Empower the older person to make and understand important decisions

• Educate others about the rights of the older person, thereby addressing and preventing discrimination

• Identify and address barriers while promoting inclusion and accessibility. 

Selection Criteria 

• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice.

• Qualifications in social sciences, human services, or relevant experience. 

• Experience and skills relevant to advocating for people from disadvantaged or vulnerable groups.

• Well-grounded knowledge of the aged care system, including residential and home care services.

• Experience in providing individual support to older people or their representatives involved in challenging and complex circumstances, with an understanding of how aged care information and advocacy can assist.

• Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver and evaluate community education and information that promote the rights of older people in our community. 

• Highly developed communication, organisational and administrative skills. 

• Knowledge of the operations of My Aged Care, Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home Care packages and residential aged care (desired).

• Understanding of current state based decision-making frameworks and how would you utilise these in supporting your clients

• COVID-19 vaccination may be a requirement of these positions.

The successful applicant will hold, or be able to obtain, a current National Criminal Record Check, Blue Card and NDIS worker screening and a current driver's licence. You may also be required to have a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine.

To apply

Please click on the "Apply now" button below to apply. You will be redirected to our Advocate Jobs webpage, where you can find further information about the Aged Care Advocate positions and how to apply. Shortly after the closing date, all applications will be assessed against the selection criteria.  

If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted by phone or email to invite you to an interview. If you do not hear from us within a couple of weeks from the closing date, unfortunately, it is unlikely you have proceeded to the interview stage. You are welcome to apply for future roles. 

If you are an older person, a First Nations person or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, we encourage you to apply.