ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Principal Advocate is responsible for supervising and managing the activities of the Disability Advocacy Practice (DAP).  The Principal will ensure satisfaction of funding obligations, identify funding and project opportunities, and provide strategic direction and guidance for the program.  The Principal will supervise QAI’s Young People Program, to achieve positive individual outcomes and systemic reform for people with disability, in line with QAI’s values, goals and priorities.

The position is part time or full time, 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 8.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibly manage the program and team in accordance with the National Association of Community Legal Centres’ Risk Management Guide and Queensland Government funding guidelines.
• Provide support and advice to Advocates regarding their work, including but not limited to any issues arising from their case work and client files, entries to CLASS and Office 365 and, limitation dates and any recorded information, referrals and discrete services.
• Provide induction, training, supervision and performance appraisal of advocates, other staff, and volunteers.
• Develop, design and maintain resources for DAP, such as intake scripts, self-help kits, referral manual, submissions, brochures, discussion papers, reports, newsletter contributions and other publications within the expertise and responsibilities of the position.
• Provide and supervise information, referrals and advocacy support to people with disability, their families, caregivers or support organisations, regardless of disability type, location or cohort.
• Identify trends, through the analysis of data from DAP to improve service delivery and promote systemic reform of laws, policies and practices impacting on people with disability.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships, networks and referral pathways with funding bodies, key stakeholders and community.
• Prepare and submit reports relating to service activities, administration, staffing, budget, implementation of strategic plans and other relevant matters for QAI management and funding bodies as required.
• Keeps informed and monitors service delivery KPI’s to ensure the DAP is meeting all defined targets.
• Represent QAI at network meetings, conferences and other events, to ensure services, data capture and referrals are integrated.
• Participate in the Queensland Independent Disability Advocacy Network, providing data on advocacy issues state-wide, including identification and action on systemic issues.
• Contribute to the management and operations of the organisation through effective leadership, by engaging in recruitment, staff training, service specific budgets, policy development, feedback and evaluation and other continuous improvement activities.
• Furthering the purpose of QAI: to advocate for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland through the provision of information to the systems advocacy team, to contribute to law reform and systemic advocacy work.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity
• Qualifications or extensive experience in disability or health related studies, social work or legal

• Proven experience in implementing, managing and evaluating funded programs
• Experience in supervision of staff and/or volunteers
• Good knowledge of people with disability, First Nations people and an understanding of the vulnerabilities experienced by people.
• 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

• Well-developed organisational and time management skills, including the ability to plan, implement and evaluate work
• Willing to complete a Disability Worker Screening, Working with Children card and criminal history screening clearance

Desirable:

• Lived experience of disability
• 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). W

e 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: Principal Advocate - Young Peoples Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.