WHO WE ARE

Disability Resources Centre Inc (DRC) is a values-led advocacy and campaigning organisation. As a radically inclusive Disabled People’s Organisation we work towards our vision of a world built on Disability Justice and Disability Pride.

DRC is funded to provide individual advocacy for adults with disability in Greater Melbourne and hosts a network connecting people with disability across Victoria. The team also works to tackle systemic barriers and conducts and supports campaigns that aim to provide long-term benefits for the disability community.

DRC is committed to providing a workplace that is flexible and accessible for all its team members.

Our Vision: A world where Disability Justice and Disability Pride are embraced and celebrated by all.

Our Purpose: Together we strive to eliminate all forms of disability oppression and realise our human rights.

THE ROLE

The Specialist Advocate, Communication Support Needs is a new position within DRC. It is designed to provide individual and systemic advocacy for people with communication support needs. The Specialist Advocate will work alongside two other individual advocates as part of an experienced and dedicated team working to achieve high quality outcomes and improve access, equality and inclusion for people with disability.

DRC is a dynamic organisation that is going through a time of great change. Within this role there are opportunities that can be adapted to suit the applicant's particular strengths and skills.

The position will be classified at 4.3 - 5.3 dependant on experience, in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010. In addition to salary and superannuation we can offer leave loading and salary packaging options which increase your take home pay.

Individual and Self Advocacy Support:

Represent and/or assist children and adults with disabilities to represent their views, needs and expectations to schools, disability service providers, mainstream service providers, governments, statutory authorities, and other bodies as required.

Systemic Advocacy / Community Support:

Engaging in systemic advocacy to represent the needs of children and adults with communication support needs in education, the workplace and the community at large. This will include participating in policy change dialogues, writing submissions and developing resources.

Reporting:

Internal and external reporting, including responsibilities for creating, maintaining and reviewing consumer files and ensure compliance with the relevant contracts, policies, standards and legislation.

General:

• Work collaboratively with DRC’s team and the DRC Board.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and professionalism.
• Other duties as directed by the Executive Officer which may be required to achieve organisational or position specific objectives.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Identify as a person with disability
• Experience of disability advocacy, disability service provision or a relevant tertiary qualification.
• Experience in advocating for or with children with disability and/or within schools
• Experience in supporting people with communication support needs
• Experience in working with autistic and/or other non-speakers with high support needs.
• Practical knowledge of the disability advocacy sector, relevant legislation, and enforcement processes.
• A detailed understanding of the support systems designed to support people with disability across various Government and non-Government sectors.
• A commitment to respectful communication with people living with a disability who may have diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to disability rights, justice and inclusion.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision and to be self-motivated.
• Ability to work well in a team and contribute to the larger organisational vision and purpose.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people with complex needs including mental health.
• Computer literacy using Microsoft 365 & Teams.
• Willingness to travel throughout Melbourne and, on occasion, state-wide.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated understanding of the needs and issues affecting people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities and/or First Nations Communities, and/or the LGBTQIA+ community and/or other minorities.

A position description is attached.