ABOUT THE JUSTICE ADVOCACY SERVICE (JAS)

JAS is a free service that supports young people & adults with cognitive impairment to exercise their rights when in contact with the NSW criminal justice system.

With the generous support of our Volunteers, JAS works with people with cognitive impairment arising from intellectual disability, borderline intellectual function, acquired brain injury, alcohol and drug-related brain injury (including foetal alcohol spectrum disorder), autism spectrum disorder, or dementia.

We walk alongside victims, witnesses, suspects & defendants in all stages of the criminal justice process.

ABOUT IDRS

Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) operates a disability advocacy service and community legal centre. IDRS aims to ‘make rights real’ for people with intellectual and other cognitive impairments through a variety of legal and advocacy services. We strive to demonstrate our values of justice, respect and persistence in all our work.

Visit our website idrs.org.au for more information about IDRS.

Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage people living with a disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

JUSTICE ADVOCATE ROLE - KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Justice Advocates coordinate, support and debrief local volunteers and Police Station Support Workers to provide a quality support and advocacy service to people with cognitive impairment when they are involved in the criminal justice system as victims, witnesses, suspects and/or defendants.

Justice Advocates also deliver support to people with cognitive impairment when a volunteer/police station support worker is unavailable or where a client’s needs require a more intensive level of support due to the nature of the offence(s) and/or the complexity of the client’s situation.

Justice Advocates focus on the specific needs and rights of their clients and support clients to assert their rights, challenge decisions and actions which restrict their opportunities and to obtain justice and equality in their daily lives.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

IDRS is very serious about its duty to provide clients with a safe and professional service and to providing all people working at IDRS with a safe and healthy working environment.

We aim to be a child safe organisation. For this reason, before you can commence employment a National Police Check will be conducted and a Working With Children Check must be provided.

Applications will remain open until position is filled. Please click Apply Now!

SELECTION CRITERIA (MUST BE ADDRESSED)

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Demonstrated experience working with people with cognitive impairment or other socially disadvantaged groups.
• Demonstrated ability to advocate within the scope of the role to achieve the best outcomes at court for marginalised people
• Ability to communicate complex ideas simply and clearly.
• Demonstrated competency using client databases and proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite of products including Word and SharePoint.
• Understanding of the systemic barriers impacting on the rights of victims of crime, suspects and defendants with cognitive impairment when involved in the criminal justice system.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a small team environment.
• Commitment to ensuring a culturally supportive and safe environment for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users.
• Skills and ability to support and debrief frontline volunteers

Desirable skills, knowledge, experience:

• Qualification in disability, human services and/or relevant management qualification.
• Experience working in and/or knowledge of the NSW the criminal justice system.
• Good understanding of work, health & safety responsibilities including self-care strategies.

Note: A National Police Check will be conducted for recommended applicants.

After hours and weekend on-call work is required to support the efficient and quality delivery of the JAS after hours service to people with cognitive impairment in police custody. A working with children clearance is also required.

CONTACT

For enquiries, please contact Eliza Kidd (Area Manager) via email [email protected], using the subject line: Justice Advocate - Central Sydney enquiry via EthicalJobs, or telephone during business hours Monday to Friday on 0428 864 276.

A position description is attached.