Objective / Purpose of the Role

To drive PeakCare’s strategic initiatives in research and knowledge translation, supporting the child, youth, and family sector. This role focuses on developing and implementing research projects, translating evidence into actionable insights, and providing expert advice on key issues. By addressing sector needs, particularly in emerging areas, the Senior Advisor - PeakCare’s reputation as a leader in the sector.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Research and Knowledge Translation

• Lead and manage research projects to address critical sector issues and emerging priorities.
• Conduct literature reviews, data collection, and analysis to produce high-quality, evidence-based insights.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and sector forums to inform practice and advocacy.
• Support the development of frameworks and strategies by integrating research findings.

Policy Analysis and Development

• Analyse policies impacting children, young people, and families, ensuring evidence-based and intersectional recommendations.
• Draft submissions and reports to government bodies, parliamentary committees, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with team members to align research outcomes with advocacy priorities and sector needs.

Advocacy and Sector Engagement

• Contribute to PeakCare’s advocacy initiatives by providing research-based insights and recommendations.
• Represent PeakCare in stakeholder consultations, sector events, and public forums.
• Develop partnerships with universities, government agencies, and community organisations to enhance research capabilities.

Capacity Building and Education

• Design and deliver sector education initiatives based on research findings to enhance knowledge and practice.
• Support the development and implementation of masterclasses, such as those under the Hope and Healing framework.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning within the organisation and across the sector.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants are advised that PeakCare staff are required to attain and maintain a current Blue Card (Queensland’s Working with Children Check)

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a relevant degree from a recognised tertiary institution relevant to the duties of the position, with the ability to translate research into practice would be highly desirable.
• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, such as social work, sociology, or public policy would be highly regarded.

Performance Goals

• Research Excellence: Deliver high-quality research projects that provide actionable insights and address emerging sector priorities, contributing to improved practices and policies.
• Policy and Advocacy Impact: Develop evidence-based policy submissions and advocacy strategies that lead to positive legislative and sector changes, aligned with PeakCare’s strategic objectives.
• Sector Education and Awareness: Translate research findings into accessible education initiatives, including workshops and campaigns, to enhance sector understanding and improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.
• Cultural Safety and Collaboration: Build strong, culturally safe partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and other stakeholders to ensure inclusive and effective research and advocacy.
• Organisational Integration: Collaborate across teams to align research activities with organisational goals, fostering a cohesive and innovative approach to achieving PeakCare’s mission.

Working Conditions

This role is expected to travel intra and interstate on occasion.

Salary Range and Benefits

This is a full-time position classified at Level 7 of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (Social and Community Services Employees) with salary level appropriately aligned to your level of experience and qualifications.

It is noted that PeakCare employees are able to access salary packaging options, as well as five weeks of annual leave per annum.

It is also noted that PeakCare makes an employer superannuation contribution in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee plus an additional 1% which may be periodically reviewed and made subject to availability of funds.

Career Path

This role reports to the Executive Director, Research and Advocacy. PeakCare strongly supports and actively invests in the development of its staff and a personalised career plan will be included as part of your ongoing performance review.

PeakCare’s Core Principles

• Children and young people are at the centre of everything we do.
• Our advocacy is independent, evidence-based and informed by the voices of our members and sector.
• Our work is inclusive and respectful of diversity, culture, lived and living experience.
• We are transparent, consistent, trustworthy and accountable in everything we do.
• We are available to our members when and where we are needed.
• Meaningful and trusted partnerships with governments, service providers and individuals are critical for our success.
• We invest in our people and strive for excellence
• We create and hold a safe and inclusive environment where all ideas and contributions are valued and respected without judgment or prejudice.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At PeakCare Queensland, we are committed to creating and maintaining a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success and are integral to our mission to ensure the wellbeing of all children, young people, and their families.

We provide equal opportunities in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and compensation. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

PeakCare Queensland is committed to taking proactive steps to eliminate barriers and to foster an environment where differences are embraced, and individual contributions are recognised and valued. We encourage open dialogue and continuous improvement in our policies and practices to enhance equity and inclusion.

Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community that benefits everyone.

A position description is attached.