• ILC project .2 EFT
• Self-Advocacy Resource Unit
• Having a Say in Bendigo (HaSB) project
• Project Worker
• Part-Time Fixed Term Position ending 31 Dec 2025
• 7.5 hours per week

Background

Have A Say Bendigo is a self advocacy group run by and for people with an intellectual disability in Bendigo and Central Victoria.

Self advocacy groups are usually made up of members who are volunteer activists with a disability who join together to speak up and try to make social change to make sure they have the same rights, choices, and opportunities as anyone else in the community.

Working with group members, project staff and community organisations is an important part of the position.

Remuneration

This position is for a fixed term starting as soon as possible and ending on 31 December 2025. The position is under the Social and Community Services SCHCADS Award, Level 5, pay point 1 (currently $49.28).

Hours of actual work: you will need to be available every Tuesday morning. Other work days are flexible.

Travel

Travel, when and if required, will be paid according to award rates per KM. Car parking will be paid where the worker is required to use their own car for work purposes or for night meetings.

Police Check and other policy

A minimum of 3 COVID-19 vaccinations and an Australian police check (or international police check if required).

Location

The project is based in Bendigo and will involve working with the Have a Say Bendigo self advocacy group. The group meets every second Tuesday

Characteristics of the Position

The Having a Say in Bendigo Group Worker will support this project and work under direction from the Project Coordinator and limited direction from SARU workers.

The Project Coordinator will provide ongoing support and advice to the Have a Say Bendigo Project Worker.

SARU will provide support to Have a Say Bendigo self-advocacy group members, and the Project Worker.

Members of HaSB will provide direction for the project

Project Reporting

The Having a Say in Bendigo Project Worker will provide monthly reports to the SARU Project Advice and Support worker.

Project Goals

The project goals are to:

• Promote self-advocacy to the people with a Disability community and invite PWD to join HaSB
• Share information about what people with a Disability can do to the mainstream Bendigo community.
• Attempt to break down stereotypes that exist about people with a Disability with the mainstream community
• Build the skills and knowledge of HaSB group members.

Expected outcomes or changes and benefits as a result of the project

The project will support HaSB members to:

• Understand their rights
• Speak out when they are facing injustices
• Build knowledge of HaSB to function as an independent entity
• Connect with the mainstream Bendigo community
• Enable new members to participate in the group
• Deliver information to the Bendigo community about life with a Disability in Bendigo.

Responsibilities and specific duties

The Having a Say in Bendigo group worker will:

• Support fortnightly self advocacy group meetings
• Support HASB members to plan, organise and run self advocacy and disability rights events in Bendigo.
• Support the group to identify and achieve self advocacy goals.
• Support group members to understand, plan and do self advocacy activities.
• Support HASB members to use their skills in self advocacy activities.
• Support HASB members to use their knowledge and skills in ways that make them more independent.
• Support the growth of the HASB self advocacy group.
• Work with the SARU Project and Advice Worker and HaSB members to plan, deliver and evaluate project.
• Work closely with local service providers and organisations to support the strengthening and growth of HASB’s networks and reach.

Key Selection Criteria

• A commitment to and an understanding of the human rights of people with a disability.
• Knowledge of the disability sector, including the NDIS.
• Awareness of or experience in disability advocacy including self-advocacy.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of person-centered practice, community inclusion, empowerment and participatory decision making.
• Experience in working with a broad range of community organisations and government bodies.
• An ability to develop and foster partnerships with key stakeholders.

Skills and Experience

• A commitment to and an understanding of the human rights of people with a disability.
• Awareness of or experience in disability advocacy including self-advocacy.
• Experience working with and supporting people with intellectual disability.
• Experience working with groups.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of person-centred practice, community inclusion, empowerment, participatory decision making and co-design.
• Experience working with a broad range of community organisations.
• Excellent communication skills including proven ability to use Plain and Easy English
• Experience working on community led projects

People with disability are encouraged to apply.

For information please contact via email: [email protected] using the subject line: Have a Say Bendigo Project Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs. Applications written in Plain or Easy English will be highly regarded.

Applications will be shortlisted as they arrive, if you are interested in the position please apply by the closing date.

A position description is attached.