• Protect and advance the rights of older people in our community
• Join our fast growing team of aged care advocates
• Transfer your community sector experience to advocacy

Make a difference! Help protect the rights and raise the voice of older people.

In a post Royal Commission environment with a growing focus on human rights in aged care, it has never been more important for older people to have a strong voice to protect and advance their rights.

We are looking for someone with a passion for making a difference to one of the most vulnerable groups in the country during this critical reform period. That person must have compassion for older people, be able to educate and inform about rights and quality of care and will have the ability to empower an older person to have the confidence to self-advocate.

If you have a background in allied health, nursing, emergency response, teaching or frontline roles with a non-government organisation or government service, we are keen to talk to you about building on your existing knowledge, experience, and skills.

About Us

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (SA) Inc (ARAS) is a not-for-profit, independent and community-based organisation that has been providing information, education and advocacy support for older people across South Australia since 1990.

Older people who use community or residential aged care services, people who live in retirement villages, and older people who are experiencing, or who are at risk of abuse from family or friends, can use an ARAS advocate, at no cost, to assist them to address their concerns. ARAS also has a specialist Aboriginal Advocates to provide culturally appropriate support and is participating in the Aged Care System Navigator Trial, which helps older people to navigate the aged care system and to access services.

Purpose statement: To encourage and support older people and community to up hold the rights of older people through information, education, advocacy and personal empowerment.

We are a proud member of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN). For more information about OPAN members, roles available across our national network and how to apply, visit www.opan.org.au/AdvocateJobs.

About the role

• Location: Adelaide

We are currently seeking Aged Care Advocates to advocate for people receiving or eligible to receive aged care services. This involves helping older people to exercise their rights through an advocacy process which includes the provision of information, education, advice and support.

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
• 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
• Conducting education sessions to current and potential aged care recipients
• Networking and promoting OPAN's services.

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

About you

We are looking for people who display empathy, passion and dedication to older Australians who will:

• Promote and uphold the rights of older people in our community
• Empower the older person to make and understand important decisions
• Educate others about the rights of the older person, thereby addressing and preventing discrimination
• Identify and address barriers while promoting inclusion and accessibility.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice.
• Degree qualification in social sciences, human services or relevant experience.
• 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).
• COVID-19 vaccination & current season flu vaccination will be a requirement for these positions.

The successful applicant will hold, or be able to obtain, a current National Criminal Record Check and a current drivers licence. You may also be required to have a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine.

To apply

Please click Apply Now and submit your resume and a covering letter addressing the selection criteria.

Please visit our Advocate Jobs webpage – https://opan.org.au/advocate-jobs- for further information about the Aged Care Advocate positions. 

Shortly after the closing date, all applications will be assessed against the selection criteria.  

If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted by phone or email to invite you to an interview. If you do not hear from us within a couple of weeks from the closing date, unfortunately, it is unlikely you have proceeded to the interview stage. You are welcome to apply for future roles. 

If you are an older person, a First Nations person, or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, we encourage you to apply. 

A position description is attached.