Make a Difference to Older Victorians

AGED CARE ADVOCATE

Elder Rights Advocacy

Work from home role however must be based in Geelong, travel across the Barwon South West region will be required.

Full Time, Monday – Friday. 8.30m – 4.30pm.

Who are we?

Elder Rights Australia (ERA) supports older people, their families and representatives in Victoria address issues related to Commonwealth funded aged care services. Our service is free, independent, and confidential.

We promote the rights of older people and ensure that that their voice is heard.

Our job is to provide information that empowers older people to make informed decisions about the care and services they receive and to stand beside them when they raise issues or concerns with aged care providers.

We are a founding member of the national Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), delivering the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS).

All staff at ERA work remotely from home and come together for one-day meetings in Melbourne CBD approximately every four-eight weeks. Staff are set up with equipment in their homes that is OH&S compliant. We take very seriously the health and wellbeing of our staff who told us they wished to work remotely post COVID restrictions. We can now service our clients more effectively as we draw our workforce from across Victoria.

Our Values

We reflect the following values in all our work with older people: Respect; Empowerment; Integrity; Inclusiveness; Excellence.  Our workforce is expected to adhere to these values in all that we say and do.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking an outstanding individual to take on the role of Advocate located in the Geelong region to Advocate for older Victorians.  You will be joining a team of fast-growing Advocates who protect and advance the rights of older Victorians.  This involves helping older people exercise their rights through an advocacy process which includes the provision of information, education, advice, and support.

The role will include travel across the Barwon Southwest region which will include road trips to aged care facilities for up to 5 days at a time once-twice per month and other travel when required which also includes visiting clients. The role will entail a company vehicle to use for business related travel.

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.
• Speaking with and listening to older people/representatives via phone, providing information and advocacy to older people managing a wide variety of issues, including elder abuse.
• 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.
• Providing information on aged care rights and client's entitlements.
• Networking and promoting ERA's services.

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

ABOUT YOU

What we are looking for:

You will be a passionate, organised, and a driven person that wants to be part of an organisation that exists to give a voice to older people. It goes without saying you will have exceptional communication skills, have had previous experience in the aged care or community sectors or similar role and be a kind, caring and compassionate person.

 Ideally you will have the following:

• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice.
• 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).
• Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised as well as an effective team with a positive can-do attitude.
• You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or hold a valid medical exemption certificate. Evidence of vaccination status will be required prior to commencement of role.
• Hold a current Police check or willing to undergo a national police check.

Culture and benefits of working with us:

At ERA, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Our team thrives on respect, innovation, and a shared commitment to achieving excellence. When you join us, you can expect:

• A dynamic and diverse workplace that values individuality and teamwork.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Flexible working opportunities including working remotely from home, no more daily commute!
• Wellness initiatives to support your physical and mental health.
• Team-building activities, and a positive work-life balance.
• An open-door policy where feedback and ideas are welcomed and valued.
• As a not-for-profit organisation the option to salary package $15,900 p.a. + $2650 p.a. meals and entertainment packaging
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program for you and your family members
• Options for additional purchased leave.
• Being part of a values driven organisation that is committed to its people and older Victorian’s.

Sounds Like you?

To apply, please select “Apply Now” button to share why you are a great fit with ERA. 

We would also encourage you to visit the ERA web site elderrights.org.au to get to know us.

If you would like any further information on the role, please reach out via our HR department at [email protected], using the subject line: Aged Care Advocate - Geelong enquiry via EthicalJobs. Please note applications will only be accepted via the recruitment platform and not via email.

A position description is attached.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work and recognise that it always has been, and always will be, Aboriginal Land and pay our respects to leaders and Elders past, present and future.