IDAS Disability Advocate

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic person to be the Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service (IDAS) Aboriginal Advocate based in Penrith. The position will cover the Greater

Sydney area.

The advocate works together with Indigenous people living with a disability and/or their carers and families, to ensure they achieve and maintain their rights. IDAS aims to prevent abuse, discrimination or negligent treatment of Indigenous people with disability, promote the human rights of Indigenous people with disability and support them to make informed choices.

The Aboriginal Advocate is responsible for a caseload as directed by the Manager and uses

their strong local knowledge to work alongside communities, supporting them to be

welcoming and inclusive to people living with a disability. IDAS works with Indigenous people

in Greater Western Sydney and throughout Regional NSW when required, therefore this

position may require travel to different regions within NSW.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide support to Indigenous people with disability and/or their carers to ensure and

facilitate their access to services, and equitable treatment within services;

• Work with team to meet required targets set by funding bodies
• Compliance with Disability Advocacy Standards, relevant legislation and policies and

procedures;

• Develop and implement external partnerships and ensure all relevant stakeholders are

communicated with effectively and consistently;

• Prepare and submit reports for monthly one on one and monthly team meetings;
• Liaise with other community organisations to improve interagency relationships;
• Manage and oversee all general administration tasks associated with the role including;
• Telephone and Email communication;
• Database maintenance;
• Maintain case notes and up to date client information

Selection Criteria

• Aboriginality. This position is an identified Aboriginal position. Aboriginality is a genuine

qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination ACT 1977

• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal Culture. A strong commitment to working with

Indigenous people & communities, and a broad understanding of the issues experienced by

Aboriginal people with a disability and their carers living in the community

• Qualifications in Law, Social Work, Disability, Community Services or Health
• Demonstrated skill in provision of high complexity advocacy to people living with a disability

and/or from disadvantaged group, basic knowledge of the law and legal resources relevant to

people with a disability

• High level of verbal and written communication, research, problem solving and negotiation skills
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, integrity and a sensitive approach to working with individuals
• Demonstrated skills in report writing, recording case notes and use of client management database
• Sense of self-responsibility, initiative and motivation in approach to workload and time

management. Must be able to work unsupervised, be reliable and meet deadlines

• Current Police Check and Working with Children Check
• Valid NSW unrestricted driver licence, and willingness to travel widely within the region

Desirable

• Knowledge of local services and resources relevant to people with a disability
• Knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the NDIS appeals process
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking, presentation, community education and networking

to promote understanding, inclusiveness, and greater accessibility within the community