Advocate – Alice Springs

Award: Social, Community, Home Care, Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (NT)

Level: SACS Level 5 – determined by qualifications and experience

Reports to: General Manager – Disability Advocacy Service Inc. (DAS)

Employment Type: Full-time, permanent position

Are you passionate about human rights? Do you have a passion for helping the voices of people with disabilities be heard? Are you looking for flexible working arrangements in a supportive team environment?

If yes, we would love to hear from you!

• Competitive salary in line with SCHADS Award
• Salary packaging benefits, including remote area salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements (home-based within Alice Springs)
• Additional paid leave over the Christmas period
• Professional development support
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ABOUT DISABILITY ADVOCACY SERVICE (DAS)

Disability Advocacy Service Inc. (DAS) is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that promotes and protects the rights of people with disability in Central Australia, the Barkly region, and remote communities. DAS operates within a human rights framework and is guided by principles of equity, inclusion, empowerment, and cultural respect.

DAS provides:

Independent individual and systemic advocacy to protect and promote the rights of people with disability;

Accessible information and referral pathways;

Support for those who are most vulnerable and at risk of discrimination or exclusion;

A strong voice to influence policy reform and improve services for people with disability.

We are a values-driven organisation committed to amplifying the voices of people with disability to create a more inclusive and just community.

PROGRAM PURPOSE

The Individual Advocacy Program provides high-quality, independent advocacy to people with disability to:

Promote and protect their human rights;

Support informed decision-making and self-advocacy;

Address barriers to accessing services, supports, and community life;

Ensure their voices influence systemic change in policy and practice.

Living and working in Alice Springs, the Advocate will play a critical role in connecting local people with disability to advocacy support, providing information and referral pathways, and promoting human rights and inclusion at the community level.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Advocate works to:

Deliver individual advocacy support to people with disability, their families, and carers across Alice Springs and surrounding communities;

Provide information, options, and referral pathways that enable individuals to exercise their rights and make informed choices;

Address and resolve issues of discrimination, service access, or systemic barriers impacting people with disability;

Work collaboratively with the General Manager and broader DAS team to achieve outcomes that align with organisational values and strategic priorities.

This role requires a person with strong knowledge of human rights, disability issues, and advocacy principles who can work independently, build community connections, and respond to diverse and complex situations with professionalism and empathy.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Delivery

Provide high-quality individual advocacy for people with disability, their families, and carers;

Support clients to understand their rights and navigate relevant systems (e.g., NDIS, housing, health, education);

Identify issues that may require escalation for systemic advocacy;

Maintain accurate and confidential records of all advocacy support provided.

Community Engagement

Build and maintain knowledge of local services, organisations, and community networks in Alice Springs;

Attend local events to promote DAS services and raise community awareness about human rights and disability advocacy;

Strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Advocacy Practice

Apply advocacy principles to address breaches of human rights, service gaps, or discrimination;

Uphold a conflict-of-interest-free approach to advocacy;

Support individuals to self-advocate where appropriate.

SELF-MANAGEMENT & TEAM CONTRIBUTION

Self-Management

Take personal responsibility for managing workload, time, and priorities;

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of disability rights, legislation, and policy developments;

Engage in regular professional supervision and ongoing professional development.

Team Contribution

Actively participate in team meetings, reflective practice sessions, and training;

Collaborate respectfully with team members to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery;

Uphold DAS values in all internal and external interactions.

KEY ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

General Manager – line management, supervision, and operational oversight;

Individual and systemic advocacy team members – collaboration and knowledge sharing;

Administration team – for client record management and reporting.

External:

People with disability, families, and carers – primary clients and stakeholders;

Local community organisations, service providers, and government agencies – for referrals and collaborative responses;

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultural leaders – to ensure culturally safe and inclusive practice.

JOB OUTPUTS & MEASURES

Service Delivery

Task: Provide individual advocacy, information, and referrals.

Measure: Documented client outcomes and feedback.

Awareness & Education

Task: Promote DAS services and human rights awareness.

Measure: Participation in community events and outreach sessions.

Reporting

Task: Maintain accurate client records and case notes; submit reports to the General Manager.

Measure: Timely and accurate reporting and compliance with data requirements.

Continuous Quality Improvement

Task: Engage in self-reflection, feedback, and practice improvement.

Measure: Documented participation in supervision, training, and reviews.

Work Health & Safety

Task: Comply with DAS policies and NT legislative requirements for safe work practices.

Measure: No unreported incidents or breaches.

Confidentiality

Task: Uphold privacy legislation and DAS confidentiality policies.

Measure: Zero privacy breaches.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Skills & Experience:

Demonstrated understanding of human rights, disability rights legislation, and advocacy principles;

Knowledge and experience of disability services and the issues impacting people with disability;

Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse communities;

Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain accurate records;

Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or CALD communities;

Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office and client record systems;

Reliable vehicle with comprehensive insurance.

Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Disability Studies or related field

Current NT Working with Children Clearance and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain)

Minimum 2 years' experience in disability advocacy, case management or related human services role

Current unrestricted NT Driver's Licence (C class)

Desirable:

Knowledge and experience with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS);

Previous experience in training, community engagement, or systemic advocacy;

Current NT Working with Children Clearance and National Police Clearance.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

This role