• 1.4 EFT available, 2 positions, with potential for the roles to be casual or fixed-term until 30 June 2025
• Level 5 - SCHADS award.
• Salary Packaging options available.
• Currently located in Prahran.

Position Overview

The NDIS Appeals Advocate provides a key role in providing information and advocacy support to people with a disability who are seeking to appeal decisions made by the National Disability Insurance Agency enabling them to make their own choices and have their rights and interests respected. The Appeals Advocate role requires a level of independence and autonomy but is required to work closely with the NDIS Lead.

THIS IS A LIVED EXPERIENCE, CONSUMER POSITION

Applicants must be people with lived experience of mental health challenges, trauma, or emotional distress and/or who have accessed mental health or other related services specifically to support their mental well-being.

Applicants must consider themselves work ready; be capable of reflecting on how their own lived experience interacts with that of others; and be able to contribute to the development and implementation of collaborative ways of working.

Specific Responsibilities

Professional:

• Provide ongoing advocacy assistance to clients to navigate external review processes, including reviews at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) liaising with lawyers representing the NDIA and with AAT registry staff, and attending conferences and hearings before the AAT.
• Assist consumers to self-advocate where possible and provide guidance to consumers to allow them to make informed decisions.
• When available, liaise and collaborate with Victoria Legal Aid when legal advice and representation is required for consumers/participants in the AAT.
• Provide input into establishing procedures and work practices within the NDIS Appeals team.
• Ensure intake, waitlist and exit procedures are followed appropriately. In consultation with line manager, plan and organise own workflow, including taking on new enquiries.
• Monitor and interpret legislation relating to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (or any future tribunals)
• Provide advice and guidance to Appeals Intake worker.
• Adhere to the partnership principles with DSS and complete SCORE data with consumers.
• Contribute to self-advocacy resources

Organisational:

• To comply with VMIAC Code of Conduct working to create a safe, supportive and happy workplace.
• Use trauma informed principles to guide all work, including interactions with staff and consumers/participants.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of diversity, culture and human rights.
• Be aware of current policy as VMIAC has a responsibility to maintain current policy.
• To actively participate in relevant meetings and consumer forums as required.
• Actively contribute to Workplace Health and Safety by taking reasonable care for personal health and safety and that of others in the workplace; raising suggestions and concerns as they arise to ensure a safe work environment for employees, consumers and visitors.
• Assist with developing partnerships and networking opportunities with relevant organisations and stakeholders to assist the organisation to achieve its goals.

Teamwork and Communication:

• Work collaboratively as required with other members of the VMIAC team including attending and contributing to scheduled meetings.
• Embrace the Code of Conduct - working to create a safe, supportive and happy workplace.
• Actively contribute to Workplace Health and Safety by taking reasonable care for personal health and safety and that of others in the workplace; raising suggestions and concerns as they arise to ensure a safe work environment for employees, consumers and visitors.
• Complete tasks as assigned and requested by management.

Key Selection Criteria (to be addressed in application)

Essential:

• A lived experience of mental health issues is essential for this role.
• An ability to work independently under general direction from management/senior employees.
• Demonstrated ability to follow workplace procedures, and an ability to contribute to the development of procedures within work area.
• A deep commitment to social justice principles. This includes the full promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms held by people with a disability, and the promotion and respect of their inherent dignity.
• Previous experience within the community, mental health, and/or disability sector/s, with an understanding of what makes people vulnerable.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and highly developed organisational skills to balance competing priorities and maintaining best-practice service delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate sensitively and build rapport with clients and other people from diverse backgrounds.

Desirable:

• Individual advocacy experience (legal or non-legal), with demonstrated ability to reason and argue assertively on important issues on behalf of people with disability.
• Qualifications and/or experience in Law/Legal Studies, Community Services, Community Development, Social Work, Legal Studies or related fields.
• An understanding of the issues faced by people with a psychosocial disability in their engagement with the NDIS.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly gain knowledge of, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975(Cth), and related subordinate legislation

Remuneration and benefits

In return for your passion for mental health reform, lived experience expertise, and significant contribution you will have access to unique professional development opportunities and receive an attractive salary package which includes:

• SCHADS Base Salary Level 5 banding
• Generous Annual Professional Development Allowance
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• From Jan 2025: Newly fitted out office space with access to onsite gym facilities and green space (close to South Melbourne market and public transport)

References and checks, probationary period

• Preferred candidates are required to complete and/or provide Police and Working with Children checks prior to final confirmation and commencement of employment.
• Referees are required and will be contacted for short listed applicants
• If fixed-term, the probationary period will be three months

Support and development

VMIAC will provide regular supervision and mentoring to the person in this role. All VMIAC roles include training and development opportunities, which can include the development of leadership and other required skills and attendance at conferences.

For enquiries relating to this position, please contact HR Officer, Melissa Jones at [email protected], using the subject line: NDIS Appeals Advocates x2 enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.