Disability And Mental Health Advocates - Cairns

Job description
Rights in Action Inc (RIA) is a small, not-for-profit charitable organisation funded to deliver independent disability advocacy services between the Cassowary Coast, Cairns & Yarrabah, Atherton and Mareeba (Tablelands). RIA is expanding our footprint within FNQ and North QLD Regions and seeks highly motivated individuals to fulfil a full-time Disability Advocate and part-time Mental Health Advocate within our Cairns office.
The Disability Advocate role is available for 38 hours per week (Parental leave contract), whilst a Mental Health Advocate role is available for 22.5 hours per week. Whilst both positions are permanent, they are also temporary Fixed Term Employment contracts.
We are looking for candidates with excellent communication (written and verbal) and well-developed caseload management skills to fulfil these roles. You must be able to work independently, prioritise and display critical thinking skills in achieving organisational objectives and individual key performance areas, including supporting individuals with disability to achieve their advocacy goals.
Successful candidates are expected to work independently and collaboratively within a small team, build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, possess industry knowledge and technical skills such as resourcefulness and proficiency in effectively communicating and supporting people with disabilities and Mental illness to understand their rights and fundamental freedoms under the UN Convention of Rights of People with Disability (UNCRPD).
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Mandatory (Industry Compliance):

• Working with Children Blue Card
• QLD Disability Worker Screening Yellow card
• Aust Federal Police check certificate, not dated more than two years
• Open C Class QLD Drivers Licence

Essential:

• Previous experience in the health, community or legal services sector in the delivery of non-legal supports and effective caseload management
• Apply working knowledge of the NDIS Act, Rules, Code of Conduct, internal reviews, and NDIS external appeals within the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and acting in a supportive role to assist vulnerable clients in achieving their personal goals
• Possess insight and ability to identify, monitor and report on any risks (actual or perceived) to clients receiving advocacy supports and appropriately plan risk mitigation strategies in partnership with the client/s, obtaining consent from relevant substituted decision-maker and/or liaison with key stakeholders in the safeguarding of individuals who are most at risk
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a confident ability to liaise with a wide range of critical stakeholders such as clients (people with disability), their families, service providers, government departments, QCAT-appointed substituted decision-makers and networking forum members
• Research, analytical and evaluation skills to interpret documents, evidence, records and assess comprehensive, usually complex information for cross-referencing
• Working knowledge of where and how to refer people with disability to non-NDIS mainstream services such as Mental Health, education, child protection, health and disability services and promoting inclusiveness and accessibility within communities
• Be familiar with the Australian Disability Strategy 2021-2031 policy framework and outcomes areas that align with the provision of independent disability advocacy for all people with disability, including reforms and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team
• Excellent time management and organisational skills to handle multiple tasks and projects
• Attention to detail and maintaining accuracy with electronic client record management system (CRM)
• Knowledgeable on quality management systems, National Standards, compliance or regulatory frameworks, industry standards and legislative requirements including but not limited to the NDIS Act 2019, QLD Human Rights Act, Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and Privacy Act '88 (Cth)
• Ability to travel within RIA's serviceable areas across Cairns, Tablelands and surrounding regions
• Evidence capabilities in making a positive difference in the lives of individuals under the social model of disability, guided by the core principles of the supported decision-making framework

Remuneration and Benefits
Award Classification: Level 4 Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services (SCHADS) Award 2010, plus 11% super.
Fringe Benefits Tax benefits provide you with the option of salary packaging of up to $15,900 per year.
RIA has adopted an external clinical Supervision model to enhance staff health and well-being.
A position description is attached.
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