ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Pathways Community Engagement Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing community connections and fostering inclusive support networks within the disability sector in Queensland. This role involves providing high-quality information, referral, and assessment services while actively engaging with people with disability, organisations, and the broader community to build and strengthen disability advocacy efforts. The role requires travel to various communities to deliver engagement activities and support services directly.

The position is part time or full time on a fixed-term contract until 30 June 2025, commencing as soon as possible. The role falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award) and will be paid at Level 4.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a community engagement plan to actively engage with community members, disability advocacy groups, and service providers to build and maintain strong partnerships and facilitate collaborative efforts to enhance service delivery and advocacy support.
• Proactively present the services and advocacy work of QAI to community groups, stakeholders, and at public events.
• Organise and participate in community forums, information sessions, and outreach activities to raise awareness and promote QIDAN.
• Regularly travel to urban, rural, and remote communities to meet with clients, stakeholders, and partner organisations. Conduct in-person community education workshops and engagement sessions to better understand and respond to community needs.
• Assist to oversee the efficient operation of the Pathways Disability Advocacy Hotline, ensuring timely and effective responses to inquiries. Perform general office administration duties, including phone management, mail handling, filing, and diary coordination.
• Provide responsive, client-focused service by accurately assessing the needs of individuals and offering tailored information and referral options. Apply advocacy-related expertise to support clients in accessing the resources they need.
• Ensure the precise collection of demographic data and issue-specific details in line with organisational policies. Maintain accurate records for callers seeking assistance through the hotline.
• Develop and nurture relationships with external organisations to facilitate meaningful, warm referrals that benefit clients and enhance community engagement.
• Assist advocates in delivering high-standard advocacy and legal support to individuals. Supervise and train volunteers who contribute to the Disability Advocacy Hotline.
• Create and manage resources, including social media content, referral manuals, brochures, and contact lists, to support the hotline's operations and community outreach efforts.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to converse with people at grass roots, as well as those in positions of authority to affect change.
• Good knowledge or the ability to acquire knowledge of the welfare and/or disability sector/s with understanding of what exposes people to vulnerability.
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills, including the ability to plan, implement and evaluate areas of work.
• Ability to travel to engage with stakeholders and the community.
• Willingness to complete a criminal history screening.

Desirable

• Experience in providing quality individual and systemic advocacy to persons with disability with experience in the field of disability, human rights, or social justice sectors
• Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre and/or with the Community Legal Assistance Services System (CLASS), would be advantageous.

About Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion

We are an independent organisation that advocates for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland. We are a registered Charity and community legal centre that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life. We provide advocacy to individuals through our three advocacy practices and this work informs our systemic advocacy that engages in campaigns and submissions directed at changing attitudes, law and policy.

WHY WORK FOR QAI

We are an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and were the first organisation to opt in to being bound by the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld). We encourage First Nations people and people with disability to apply as the position would benefit from a person with lived experiences. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments if required to assist the application and recruitment process. We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture, as we take the well-being of our staff seriously. Our well-being program includes staff activities such as walks by the river, yoga or potluck lunches, creating opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens.

We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment, professional supervision, paid parental leave and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.

A position description is attached. QAI is willing to customise the role to facilitate candidates with disability.

To be considered for this role, you must address the essential selection criteria.

Please address any questions to Megan, Chief Operating Officer on 07 3844 4200 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Community Engagement Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.