Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion's logo

Systems Advocate

Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion

About Queensland Advocacy Inc.

Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI) is an independent advocacy organisation whose mission 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 and submissions directed at attitudinal, law and policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives throughout our state. We also provide advocacy to individuals with disability through our three advocacy practices, Human Rights, Mental Health and NDIS. 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.

Role Description

QAI will shortly commence operating an inaugural Statewide disability advocacy network, including:

  • A) An information hub with telephone and online information resources; and
  • B) An advocacy network of organisations providing disability advocacy in Queensland.

The Systems Advocate will analyse, plan and implement actions and campaigns to achieve positive systemic reform for people with disability in line with Queensland Disability Advocacy Network’s values, goals and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Keep informed of current government and community attitudes and policies and their effects on the lives of people with disability;
  • Research and analyse systemic opportunities and threats;
  • Liaise with members of the Queensland Disability Advocacy Network to collate and progress systemic issues identified;
  • Develop policies and lobby for social, cultural, attitudinal, environmental, political and legal change that advocates for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability, in consultation with the Queensland Disability Advocacy Network;
  • Write position papers, submissions and material in relation to identified priority issues;
  • Undertake responsibility for planning, co-ordination, implementation and administration of campaign work in line with QAI’s priorities, budget and capacity to do the work;
  • Identify and liaise with key players including: the Office of the Public Advocate, Office of the Public Guardian, the NDIA, Queensland Human Rights Commission, Queensland and Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Disability Royal Commission and other entities;
  • Bring together or join with like-minded others, including members of the Queensland Disability Advocacy Network, to take further action on these issues on behalf of people with disability;
  • Lobby government and community to bring about positive, sustainable change to the lives of people with disability;
  • Monitor achievements and report in line with QAI’s policy;
  • Comply with record keeping practices consistent with obligations of a community legal service;
  • Internal reporting and external reporting to the funding bodies as required;
  • Participation in the network for Queensland disability advocates;
  • Preservation of the mission and intent of QAI: Promotion, protection and defence of people with disability through the Human Rights Advocacy Practice and provision of systemic 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;
  • Good knowledge of people with disability and understanding of what makes people vulnerable;
  • Highly developed conceptual and written skills with the ability to analyse the big picture and relate this to individuals’ lives;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills to a wide variety of audiences, including to people with mental illness, intellectual disability and cognitive impairment; and
  • Criminal history screening clearance.

Desirable

  • Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre, social justice organisation and/or disability advocacy organisation, would be advantageous;
  • Legal/social work/allied health qualification or equivalent experience; and
  • Advocacy experience (legal or non-legal).

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 Queensland Human Rights Act (2019). We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and people with disability to apply.

We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture as we take the well-being of our staff seriously. We often organise staff activities such as walks by the river or potluck lunches to create opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens.

This position falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award) and will be paid at Level 5 with Pay Point commensurate with experience. We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.

A position description is attached.

This position is an 18-month contract, starting on 5 January 2022.

Please address any questions to Megan Pearce, COO on 07 3844 4200 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Systems Advocate enquiry via EthicalJobs.

How to apply

This job ad has now expired, and applications are no longer being accepted.

Email me more jobs like this.

Daily