• Ararat based - with coverage involving the Grampians region
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates only
• Full Time, fixed term to 30 June 2026

This position is only open to people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996.

About Grampians disAbility Advocacy

Grampians disAbility Advocacy Association Inc (GdA). is a not-for-profit organisation providing advocacy support for people with a disability in Western Victoria since 1996. The organisation receives advocacy funding from both Federal and State Governments.

GdA Mission
GdA stands beside people with a disability as they:

• Are empowered to live the life they choose.
• Understand and act on their human rights.
• Connect and build confidence, independence and friendships.

GdA has five program areas:

• General Advocacy (including Indigenous Advocacy)
• NDIS Appeals Support
• Information, Linkages and Capacity Building
• Peer Support
• Systemic Advocacy

DUTIES

Individual and Self Advocacy Support

• Responding to requests for advocacy by individuals, carers or groups.
• Negotiating advocacy goals and strategies with individuals, carers or groups.
• Collecting and providing information to people with disabilities/their carers regarding their rights and participation in community life.
• Implementing agreed actions in a timely manner with genuine commitment to the human rights of the person or group.
• Providing assistance to individuals, carers or groups to support their own advocacy efforts.

• Represent, and/or assist local Indigenous Australians with disabilities to present their own views, needs and expectations to disability service providers, mainstream community-based service providers, governments, statutory authorities and other bodies as required.
• Individual advocacy includes:

NDIS Appeals Support

• Assist applicants to navigate the process of seeking an internal review and/or Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) review of National Disability Insurance Agency decisions, including preparing documents, attending conferences and hearings.
• Assist applicants to self-advocate where possible, or provide individual advocacy support, developing and implementing an individual plan in partnership with the applicant.
• Ensure a referral to Victoria Legal Aid where legal issues are highlighted for a determination as to whether legal services will be provided (for complex or novel legal cases).
• Provide public information about the availability and role of the support person.

Systemic Advocacy (in conjunction with other stakeholders)

• Identify barriers that prevent access to community-based lifestyle opportunities for Indigenous Australians people with disabilities.
• Collaborate with others to develop and implement proactive strategies to eliminate identified barriers and improve access to community-based opportunities for Indigenous Australians with disabilities.
• Develop responses to changes in policy by governments, service providers or others that may affect access to life in the community for Indigenous Australians people with disabilities.
• Liaise with recognized advocacy groups and forums to ensure coordination of advocacy efforts and the elimination of gaps in service delivery.

Community Education & Public Awareness

• Develop relationships with Indigenous communities and organisations to raise awareness within Indigenous communities in the project area of disability rights and issues and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people living with disability.
• Use, as appropriate, mainstream, specialist and social media to promote the rights and interest of people with disabilities (with the Executive Officer).
• Represent GdA as required in the geographical area of the project.

Other Duties

• Participate in advocacy teleconferences and training days.
• Provide reports to the Board and the funding body (with the Executive Officer).
• Other duties as required, in the context of the role and project.

HOURS OF WORK

• The position is 38 hours per week.
• The normal hours of work are between 9am and 5.30pm.
• Days and hours may be varied by arrangement.
• A hybrid Working from Home agreement can be negotiated.
• No overtime pay is available, but provision is made to accumulate time in lieu under the provisions of the SCHADS Award 2010.

The position is fixed term to 30 June 2026.

SALARY

The salary is range is 5.1-5.3 of the SCHADS Award, depending on qualifications and experience.

Salary packaging is available.

TO APPLY:

Prepare and submit a brief personal statement addressing each of the following Skills and Abilities relevant to this role:

1. An understanding of disability in First Nations communities and of barriers faced by Indigenous Australians in accessing services including the NDIS and relevant legal representation.
2. Experience of advocating for the rights and interests of Indigenous Australians and an understanding of the process and practice of advocacy.
3. Understanding of, and ability to display, cultural competence.
4. Knowledge of, and commitment to, the rights and empowerment of people with a disability.
5. Well-developed personal organisation skills – functional computer literacy, experience of keeping case notes and managing casefiles, ability to work independently, set goals and priorities and manage own time.
6. Ability to work in a team environment.
7. Ability to work without close supervision, but in regular consultation with Executive Officer, other advocates, Board of Governance and other staff.
8. Well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
9. Demonstrated ability to network and liaise with service providers and relevant organisations.

REFEREES

Shortlisted applicants will need to supply the details of two professional referees.

ENQUIRIES

Email [email protected]

Grampians disAbility Advocacy Association Inc is an equal opportunity employer.

People with lived experience of disability are encouraged to apply.

This position is only open to people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 57 of the AntiDiscrimination Act 1996.

WEBSITE

https://grampiansadvocacy.org.au/