The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an independent statutory office established to protect the rights and interests of adults with impaired decision-making capacity, and children and young people in the child protection system and other visitable sites. Join us as we protect, support, advocate, educate and empower, to build a Queensland where our most vulnerable community members can live with dignity. Please visit the OPG website to learn more.

• Permanent flexible full-time
• Identified role
• Rockhampton region

about the role

Community visitors are responsible for visiting children, young people and adults in accordance with functions outlined in the Public Guardian Act 2014. Community visitors make inquiries and observations into the standard and adequacy of services being provided to vulnerable people, and undertake advocacy, reporting and complaints on their behalf.

This role is designated as Identified. Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), it is a genuine occupational requirement for the incumbent to be an Aboriginal person and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

key responsibilities:

• Conduct regular visits and make robust and probative inquiries into the standard and adequacy of supports services being provided to the people staying at visitable locations in accordance with functions outlined in the Public Guardian Act 2014 and the policies and procedures of the Office of the Public Guardian.
• Assess the adequacy of information given to children, young people and adults being visited about their rights.
• Identify issues or concerns impacting the people you are visiting by seeking their views and wishes, making observations and inquires or reviewing site documents.
• Advocate for and support the people you are visiting to resolve their issues or concerns, participate in decision making, and to make or refer complaints.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the legislative and regulatory frameworks which underpin the delivery of services to the people you are visiting.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills including the ability to rapidly develop rapport and trust with diverse groups, resilience and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills including report writing and information technology literacy skills.
• Comply with confidentiality, information exchange and privacy provisions when accessing or sharing information.
• Maintain accurate, timely records to ensure compliance with record keeping and reporting requirements and to meet corporate governance standards.
• Attend and actively participate in all relevant training, team meetings, supervision sessions and professional development opportunities as required.

mandatory role conditions:

Possession of a current C class drivers’ licence and a roadworthy motor vehicle registered in Queensland covered by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance.

A mandatory condition of this role is a Working with Children Check clearance (Blue Card). If you do not already have one, OPG will guide you on how to apply.

No formal qualifications are required for the position however a strong commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the most vulnerable members of our community is essential.

A position description is attached.