Advocacy Services Officer

SCIA has successfully transitioned into the new world of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and expanded our Advocacy team. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new Advocacy Services Officer position who will have a primary role in supporting people with disability navigating the NDIS Appeals processes.

The Advocacy Services team is at the forefront of advocating for the rights of people with Spinal Cord Injury at both systemic and individual level.

Responsibilities of the role will include:

• Assisting applicants to navigate the process of AAT review of decisions – this could include attending AAT conferences and hearings;
• Provide advice and assist applicants to understand the review process;
• Prepare documents needed for review;
• Provide individual advocacy support, developing and implementing an individual plan in partnership with the applicant;
• Assist applicants to apply for funding (including completing a referral to the central assessment provider (CAP)) where legal issues are highlighted and an application has been made to the AAT (for complex or novel legal cases);
• Assist a person to navigate the NDIA internal review process;
• Provide education and skills development, such as self-advocacy support for individuals and self-advocacy group sessions.

To succeed in the role;

You will possess the ability, energy and passion to deliver quality services and have the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively where required.

In addition, you will have experience and skills in the following areas:

• Demonstrated experience and skill in advocacy process and practice
• Demonstrated experience and confidence in participating in roundtable discussions with various levels of government
• A comprehensive understanding of the Disability sector and awareness of associated issues and barriers faced by individuals living with disability
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills
• Highly computer literate with strong database usage skills

SCIA offers:

• Supportive of flexible working arrangements
• A family friendly work environment
• Ongoing training and development
• A health and wellbeing program
• A competitive remuneration package including PBI salary packaging options
• A dedicated, enthusiastic and supportive team environment

The position may be worked either in a full-time capacity (37.5 hours per week) or part – time (30 hours per week) and is based at our Little Bay office. People with a disability are encouraged to apply.