Office of the Public Guardian

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an independent statutory office established to protect the rights, interests and wellbeing of adults with impaired decision-making capacity, and children and young people in the child protection system and those accommodated in disability services, Authorised Mental Health Services, residential health services and youth detention centres. The purpose of OPG is to advocate for our clients’ human rights.

Please visit the OPG website publicguardian.qld.gov.au.

• Permanent flexible full-time role
• Townsville location
• AO7 classification

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Regional Visiting Manager is responsible for the provision of visiting services in the Northern Region of Queensland. Visiting services includes visiting children and young people in out-of-home care and adults at visitable sites, report preparation and issue resolution/advocacy for these client groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and supervise a remote team of Community Visitors in accordance with the Public Guardian Act (2014), to ensure high quality delivery of visiting services that protect the rights and interests of, and achieve the best outcomes for, vulnerable children and young people in out-of-home care and vulnerable adults at visitable sites.
• Manage, and where appropriate, makes referrals for the provision of advocacy services to children and young people in out-of-home care and vulnerable adults at visitable sites having regard to the child Statement of Standards and Charter of Rights and the adult Human Services Quality Standards. Utilise high level negotiation and dispute resolution techniques to seek the best possible outcomes for these vulnerable cohorts.
• Maintain knowledge of and contribute towards contemporary systems and practice guidelines, providing supervision, direction and support to Community Visitors in practice issues.
• Identify, escalate and respond to significant risk matters, and provide strategic and timely advice and recommendations to senior management on individual and systemic issues affecting children and young people in out-of-home care and vulnerable adults at visitable sites.
• Actively engage and maintain strong working relationships with a range of government and non-government agencies, professional bodies and community organisations involved in the prevention of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children in out-of-home care and vulnerable adults at visitable sites.
• Undertake financial, human resource and administrative management and compliance in accordance with the Office of the Public Guardian and Department of Justice and Attorney-General's requirements, including the Queensland Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Possession of a C class driver's license is a mandatory requirement for this role.

Tertiary qualifications or relevant work experience relating to social, health, behavioural sciences or related disciplines is desirable.

A position description is attached.

As this role involves child-related duties or is within a centre where child-related duties occur, as defined under section 57 of the Public Sector Act 2022, prior to commencing employment, the recommended applicant will be required to obtain a blue card if one is not already held.