About Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion

Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI) is an independent advocacy organisation whose purpose is to advocate for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland. We provide advocacy to individuals with disability through our three advocacy practices: Human Rights Advocacy Practice, NDIS Appeals and Disability Advocacy Practice. We also engage in systemic advocacy through campaigns and submissions directed at attitudinal, law and policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives throughout our state. We are a registered charity and community legal service that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life.

About the role

We are looking for a solicitor to join our NDIS Appeals team from early 2025 to 30 June 2025. The role is either part-time at 60 hours per fortnight or full-time. Applications are encouraged from First Nations or people with lived experience of disability as the position would benefit from a person with lived experience.

This is an exciting time to work in the NDIS appeals space with significant legislative and policy reform occurring and an opportunity to work in the newly formed Administrative Review Tribunal. This is an excellent opportunity to build experience and understanding of the NDIS. Given the short term of the contract, the role lends itself to solicitors who can seek a period of long leave from existing employers, for the purpose of gaining valuable experience and professional training from our Principal Solicitor and Senior Solicitor.

Our NDIS appeals team has a strong reputation for a high standard of work and for achieving positive and life changing outcomes for our clients. We engage in community education, State and National policy discussions on the NDIS and contribute to systems advocacy. Examples of QAI systemic work can be found here.

The NDIS Appeals Service is funded by the Department of Social Services to support people to appeal a decision of the NDIA to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The NDIS Appeals team includes both solicitors and advocates working together to achieve outcomes for clients through the appeal process.

The NDIS Appeals Advocates and Solicitors report to and work under the supervision of the NDIS Practice Principal Solicitor. The role falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award). The salary is based at level 5 and includes an additional loading and generous salary sacrificing.

Key responsibilities

Assist and support people with disability to:

• understand the NDIS appeal process and the criteria for determining access or support to the NDIS
• make informed decisions and build their capacity to self-advocate at the ART (particularly where QAI is unable to provide ongoing representation)
• support and represent people with disability at the ART (which includes attending conferences, conciliations and hearings)
• prepare statements and gather reports from experts, to address the legal criteria to support a NDIS appeal.
• Provide information and referral to clients internally or to other agencies for support, advice, representation and/or assistance as required.
• Work with fellow advocates and the Principal Solicitor to plan, co-ordinate, and promote best practice in service delivery, including through development of service and community resources, contributing to team discussions, and collaborating with external stakeholders.
• Internal reporting and external reporting to the funding bodies as required.
• Identify issues requiring systemic reform in relation to the rights of people with disability.

Selection criteria

Essential:

• Experience in NDIS, Government, Administrative, Consumer, Mental Health, Criminal, Social Security, Guardianship and Administration, Discrimination or Human Rights Law and/or other relevant legal practice or litigation experience
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to both listen, develop trust and communicate complex matters with our clients, all of whom live with disability and to advocate effectively for clients within the ART and the NDIA (including their lawyers)
• Excellent written communication skills, including ability to convey information in plain English
• Willingness to complete a criminal history screening and corresponding certificate or Current Working with Children Card.

Desirable:

• Prefer two years post admission experience
• Lived experience of disability
• Practical knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly gain knowledge of, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (Cth) and related rules.

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 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 Sian, Principal Solicitor on 07 3844 4200 or email [email protected] using the subject line: NDIS Appeals Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.