Team Leader – Advocacy Coordinator

Position Overview

This position is responsible for all matters relating to the advocacy practice of the centre, including managing the oversight and work assignments of the advocacy staff. A high level of co-operation with the Principal Solicitor is required, particularly in addressing systemic issues affecting the client group. Whilst formal accountability of staff rests with the Manager, the Advocacy Coordinator is responsible for the supervision and support of the advocacy team, including the Helpline.

Roles and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the position are outlined below

1. Leadership

• Provide leadership to the advocates across all aspects of the service.
• Provide advice and leadership regarding advocacy and related issues affecting the client group.
• Play a key role in advancing systemic advocacy, strategic policy development and service planning, and promoting the success of the model.
• Undertake strategic stakeholder and network engagement; identifying and initiating opportunities for protocol development and capacity building across relevant sectors in line with the service model and strategic aims and objectives.
• Contribute to the development of journal papers on behalf of the service.

2. Staff Management

• Supervise the activities of the advocates and their work assignments.
• Inform the development of the advocacy staff position descriptions and work plans.
• Conduct the advocates’ staff development and performance reviews, and liaise with the Manager regarding any performance or staffing issues within the advocacy team.
• Advise on the professional development needs of the advocates and the service more broadly, and assist with balancing strategic priorities of the service with available resourcing.

3. Service Development & Delivery

• Service development & delivery

• Collaborate with the Manager and Principal Solicitor on all issues requiring advocacy input.
• Responsibility and oversight for the provision of high quality advocacy advice and casework to the clients within the organisational guidelines and in accordance with practice.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the education programs and publications for relevant sectors and members of the community, with a view to raising awareness and addressing issues of elder abuse.

4. Organisational

• Inform guidelines, protocols and procedures required for all matters relating to the service as required.
• Attend and perform an active role in the casework meetings, and staff meetings.
• Work with the Manager to establish appropriate work plans and performance objectives for the advocacy service.
• Meet agreed performance indicators.

5. Communications

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the communication strategy, including the development of content for the website, e-Newsletter, and other targeted communications.
• Communicate effectively with other departments of COTA.

6. Quality Assurance and Accreditation

• With the Principal Lawyer, maintain oversight of the quality assurance and policies and procedures for the client services in accordance with our National Assurance Standards and to deliver an excellent service.

Key Selection Criteria:

Professional

1. Social Work qualifications and at least five years’ experience in casework/individual advocacy.
2. Significant experience in working with older people, including expertise in elder abuse and other matters commonly encountered by older people.
3. Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, motivate and build a team
4. Good social work and reflective supervision with use of theoretical frameworks that inform the advocacy client work.
5. High-level analytical skills in the formulation of policy and strategic service development.
6. Attention to detail and an understanding of the principles of quality assurance and risk management.
7. Demonstrated ability to work from a human rights and advocacy perspective.

Personal

1. Excellent interpersonal communication skills (written and oral) with demonstrated ability to work with staff, clients, external stakeholders and organisations.
2. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work in a cohesive multi-disciplinary team
3. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage timelines and work with conflicting deadlines and priorities.