Make a Difference to Older Victorians

ABORIGINAL ADVOCATE

Elder Rights Australia

Work from home role however, must be based in the GIPPSLAND REGION of Victoria

Full Time, Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work and recognise that it always has been and always will be Aboriginal land. We pay our respects to all Elders, past and present.

Who We Are

Elder Rights Australia (ERA) is a trusted community-focused organisation supporting older people, their families and representatives across Victoria. We assist individuals in navigating the Commonwealth-funded aged care system through free, confidential, culturally safe and independent advocacy services.

As a founding member of the national Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), we proudly deliver the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS).

We are deeply committed to ensuring that the voices of older people, including Aboriginal communities and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, are heard, respected, and empowered. Our focus is on providing culturally appropriate information and advocacy that supports older people to make informed choices about the care and services they receive.

ERA operates as a fully remote organisation, with staff working from home and equipped with OH&S compliant setups. We meet in person in Melbourne CBD approximately every six - eight weeks. This flexible work model, developed in response to staff preferences post COVID, allows us to better serve clients by drawing on a skilled and diverse workforce from across the state. It also reflects our commitment to accessibility, safety, and inclusion across diverse communities.

Our Values

Our work is grounded in the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Integrity, Inclusiveness, and Excellence. We strive to create a culturally safe, and respectful environment for the people we serve and for our team.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate Aboriginal Advocate based in the Gippsland Region of Victoria to join our growing team. In this vital role, you will advocate for the rights of older Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, with a focus on culturally safe engagement, education and empowerment. You will work alongside a team committed to protecting and advancing the dignity and rights older Victorians – particularly Aboriginal Elders – through individual advocacy, community outreach, and education.

Key Responsibilities

Provide advocacy, information, elder abuse support and referrals to older people and their representatives in alignment with aged care rights and principles.

Deliver direct advocacy support by participating in case meetings with relevant stakeholders to resolve issues or complaints, ensuring the rights and preferences of the older person receiving aged care services.

Undertake rostered intake duty services to respond to client needs across ERA’s state-wide telephone intake service.

Connect clients with relevant services and resources to assist with informed decision making.

Facilitate culturally safe information and education sessions for a wide range of stakeholders, such as residents of aged care homes and retirement villages, carers, health care professionals, individuals receiving aged care services at home or in the community, and relevant community and government organisations.

Represent the organisation at local seniors’ events, information sessions, community displays, and exhibitions.

Actively promoting and networking to raise awareness and understanding of ERA’s services within the community and sector.

Plan and deliver inclusive community in collaboration with Aboriginal communities

Build genuine, respectful relationships with Aboriginal Elders, communities, organisations, and stakeholders to enhance engagement and collaborative service delivery.

Develop and implement strategies to raise awareness of NACAP and aged care rights among Aboriginal communities.

Represent ERA at community events, forums, and network meetings, including those involving aged care providers, to increase understanding of advocacy services.

Raise awareness of aged care advocacy through culturally sensitive and inclusive outreach activities.

While this is primarily a work-from-home position, this role also requires regular travel within the Gippsland Region of Victoria to visit clients, aged care providers and Aboriginal organisational and communities, with some overnight stays required from time to time.

We offer a comprehensive and structured onboarding program specifically designed for our Advocates to ensure you are well-supported as you transition into your role. We provide ongoing cultural safety training as part of our support for this role.

What We’re Looking For:
You are an Aboriginal person with strong community connections, a passion for advocacy, and a commitment to supporting older people — especially Aboriginal Elders — to understand and exercise their rights within the aged care system.

You are someone with:

Strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities in Victoria.

A deep understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal peoples.

A proven ability to work effectively and sensitively in culturally diverse settings.

Experience collaborating with Aboriginal communities and organisations.

A passion for advocacy and empowering older people.

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and with cultural sensitivity and integrity.

Experience in community engagement, education, or advocacy.

A demonstrated commitment to human rights, social justice, and the rights of older people.

Experience with advocating for individuals from disadvantaged or vulnerable communities.

Knowledge of aged care services and systems (training provided if needed)

Experience in providing individualised support to older people or their representatives, particularly in challenging or complex circumstances, and an understanding of how advocacy and information can support positive outcomes.

A demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate community education and information sessions that promote the rights of older people.

The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Demonstrated initiative to meet tight deadlines, working effectively in a remote environment, and adapting to shifting priorities with flexibility and resilience.

A positive, community-minded and culturally respectful approach.

A willingness to undergo a National Police Check. Support will be provided to guide through this process confidentially, where needed.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘Special Measures’ of Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

Why Join ERA:

At ERA, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Our team thrives on respect, innovation, and a shared commitment to achieving excellence. When you join us, you can expect:

A diverse and values-driven team culture committed to equity and inclusion.

Flexible remote work model – no daily commute!

Supportive wellness initiatives for physical and mental health.

Ongoing learning and development opportunities.

Salary Packaging options ($15,900 p.a. + $2,650 p.a. meals/entertainment)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.

Team building and connection in a collaborative environment.

Purchased leave options for additional work-life balance.

Sounds Like you?

Click the “Apply” button to submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the knowledge, experience, and skills, listed above, and with your current resume and why you are a great fit for ERA.

Applications close Wednesday, 20 August.

We encourage you to learn more about us at: https://elderrights.orgo.au/

If you have any questions about the role, contact our HR team at: [email protected].

Please note: Applications are only accepted through the recruitment platform and not via email.