ABOUT QUEENSLAND ADVOCACY FOR INCLUSION

QAI is an independent, community-based advocacy organisation for people with disability. Our vision is to see inclusive communities where all people are equally valued and enjoy human rights, and our purpose is to advocate for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights, and lives of people with disability in Queensland. We do this by engaging in systemic advocacy through campaigns directed at attitudinal, law and policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives in this State. We also provide advocacy to individuals with disability through our Human Rights, Mental Health, NDIS Appeals and Disability Advocacy Practices.

We work to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The role of the First Nations Advocate is to deliver individual advocacy support to Queensland young people (birth to 18 years) with disability. Under the supervision and direction of the Principal Advocate and other Senior QAI staff as required, the Advocate’s role will include providing advocacy, advice, information and referrals for clients of QAI and contributing to the systemic advocacy work and community legal education of QAI within the Disability Advocacy Practice.

The role is part-time at 45 hours per fortnight until 30 June 2025 and falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award). The position will be paid at level 4 or 5, commensurate with experience. Applications are sought from First Nations people, especially those with lived experience of disability as the position would benefit from a person with lived experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing culturally appropriate individual advocacy and support to young people with disability to:
  • understand their rights;
  • access appropriate supports and services and address gaps in support;
  • address discrimination, conflict and unfair treatment;
  • make informed decisions;
  • build capacity to self-advocate;
  • ensure their fundamental needs are being met;
  • understand and navigate processes and systems.

• Internal reporting and external reporting to the funding bodies as required
• Participation in the network for Queensland disability advocates
• Providing information and referring young people internally or to other agencies for support and assistance as required
• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations communities, leaders, and organisations to enhance outcomes for young First Nations people with disability.
• Identify issues requiring systemic reform in relation to the rights of people with disability
• Collaborate with QAI staff to ensure First nations perspectives are appropriately incorporated into our advice, representation and advocacy services and systemic submissions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity;
• Experience in providing quality individual and systemic advocacy to persons with disability with significant experience in the field of disability, human rights, or social justice sectors;
• 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 in the lives of young people with disability;
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills, including the ability to plan, implement and evaluate strategic pieces of work;
• Current Blue Card and Disability Worker Screening or the ability to gain them.

Desirable:

• Lived experience of disability;
• Tertiary qualifications in disability or health related studies, social work, legal or education.
• Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre and/or with the Community Legal Assistance Services System (CLASS), would be advantageous; and
• Ability to travel to meet clients, including outreach.

This is an Identified position. QAI considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act QLD 1991.

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). Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments if required to assist with 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.

QAI is able to customise the role to facilitate candidates with disability.

Please address any questions to Megan, Chief Operating Officer on 07 3844 4200 or email [email protected] using the subject line: First Nations Identified Young Peoples Advocate enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A full position description is attached.