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 to be accepted and respected as part of the diversity of Australian society, with access to information, services, and benefits, so that they can be included, participate, and contribute to family and community life.

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 fixed term full-time opportunity as a Senior Individual Advocate based in our office at Gaythorne.

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 12-month full-time contract position, working 38 hours per week. Wages will be in line with Level 6 of the SCHADS Award and there is the option for Salary Sacrifice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES WILL BE:

• To engage in strategic independent advocacy that:
• Builds the capacity of individuals to understand their rights, make informed decisions and raise concerns.
• Represents the rights, preferences and interests of persons from CALD backgrounds with disability
• Responsibly challenge services, systems, and approaches that impact negatively on people with disability to address their concerns and ensure their fundamental needs are met.

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.
• 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing why you would like to work with AMPARO Advocacy and how you meet the requirements of the role.
• A document outlining your responses to the Selection Criteria
• Your resume detailing professional experience and education, along with the contact details of 2 referees.

MANADATORY REQUIREMENTS

Relevant degree and significant experience (3 years or more) of 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.

Valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance or the ability to apply for one before commencement

Valid Working with Children/Blue Card or the ability to apply for one before commencement

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

• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of human rights, social justice and inclusive living.
• 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.
• Strong experience in providing leadership, mentoring and skill development within an advocacy organisation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary best practice approaches in supporting people with disability to have a good life.
• Experience in working respectively and collaboratively in a team environment.
• High level of communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• 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. 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 Manager of AMPARO Advocacy, Maureen Fordyce on (07) 3354 4900.

A position description is attached.