WHO WE ARE

AMPARO Advocacy is a non-profit community organisation that undertakes independent individual and systemic advocacy with, and on behalf of, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds with disability.

AMPARO Advocacy’s vision is for people from a CALD background with disability are respected, valued and included in family, community and the broader society, with equitable access to information services and supports.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

AMPARO Advocacy Inc is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a child safe organisation. AMPARO believes in diversity and as part of our recruitment policy, we encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds and those who are from culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and persons with disability.

We are seeking a person with a strong commitment to human rights and social justice principles who has extensive experience, for this 2-year fixed term full-time (negotiable) opportunity as a Senior Individual Advocate based in our office at Gaythorne. Please note we will be relocating in June 2025.

This role demands a commitment to supporting the integrity of AMPARO Advocacy by maintaining a high standard of personal and professional conduct that supports our values and beliefs, including a commitment to:

• Social and economic inclusion for all people with disability
• The principles of human rights and social justice
• Respecting and promoting the strengths and capacities of all individuals.
• Implementing culturally competent, safe and trauma informed practice.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are recruiting for a Senior Individual Advocate to provide vigorous independent individual advocacy to defend, protect and promote the rights and interests of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds with disability.

In addition, the Senior Advocate is responsible for providing leadership, mentoring and skill development for advocates. This role is for a 2-year full-time (negotiable) contract position, with the possibility of a further 2-year extension. Wages will be in line with Level 6 of the SCHADS Award and there is the option for Salary Sacrifice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITiES ARE TO:

• Provide leadership, mentoring and skill development for the advocacy team.
• Engage in strategic independent social advocacy.
• Support and engage in the systemic advocacy work of the organisation.
• Assist in maintaining an effective, accountable independent social advocacy organisation.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL HAVE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF:

• Cultural diversity and the systemic issues affecting people from CALD backgrounds.
• Specialist disability and mainstream service systems, including the NDIS.
• Effectively supporting and supervising a team of professionals.
• Contemporary best practice approaches in supporting people with disability to get a good life.
• Human, legal and service user rights and avenues of redress to remedy violations of rights
• Legislation and policy specific to people with disability.

MANADATORY REQUIREMENTS

Degree in Social Sciences / Social Work/ Human Services with significant experience (3 years or more) working with people with disability.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

It is preferable that the employee hold a current C class driver’s license.

We require the successful applicant to have access to a fully insured vehicle. Mileage can be claimed.

The Disability Services Act 2006 requires criminal history screening for all people engaged by a funded non‐government service provider. All staff are required to obtain a Working with Children Check (“Blue Card”) and Disability Worker Screening Clearance ("Yellow Card") prior to commencing employment.

Amparo Advocacy requires that employees have and maintain Covid-19 and influenza vaccination currency in line with current Public Health Directives and organisational policy.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. A demonstrated commitment to the principles of human rights, social justice and inclusive living.
2. A demonstrated understanding of the life experiences of people from CALD backgrounds with disability and the social barriers that impact on their access to important information, services and supports.
3. Strong experience in providing leadership, mentoring and skill development within an advocacy organisation.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary best practice approaches in supporting people with disability to have a good life.
5. Experience in working respectively and collaboratively in a team environment.
6. High level of communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
7. Well-developed skills using relevant technology and software, including Microsoft Office 365.

Please Note: We encourage you to apply promptly as we may shortlist and interview within the vacancy period.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

Applications that do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.

Should you wish to talk with someone about this position, please contact the CEO of AMPARO Advocacy, Maureen Fordyce on (07) 3354 4900.

A position description is attached.

If you require a copy of the position description, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Individual Advocate enquiry via EthicalJobs, mentioning Position Description request.