Organisation : Amaze
Location : Melbourne (Carlton )
Work type : Full-time
Sector : Community Engagement, Disabilities
Salary type : Annual Package
Application closing date : 6 Dec, 2019
About the organisation
Amaze is the peak body for autistic people and their families and carers in Victoria with a 25 year strategic plan horizon to achieve its social impact aspiration.
Amaze Social Impact, Purpose and Strategic Directions
Our Social Impact: Amaze aims for a society that i) respects the dignity of every person on the autism spectrum and ii) offers each of them opportunities for meaningful participation and to make a valued contribution.
Our Purpose: We build awareness and understanding of autism. We develop community capacity by working with others to help them value and support people on the autism spectrum and their families.
Outcomes to be achieved by 2040: 1) Community awareness and understanding of autism in Victoria increases over time; 2) Attitudes and behaviours towards people on the autism spectrum by the Victorian community (government, private and social sectors) improves over time; 3) Opportunities for meaningful participation and a valued contribution increase for people on the autism spectrum.
Strategic Activities:
Build awareness and increase understanding of autism through media activity to promote facts and dispel myths, World Autism Awareness Day, provision of information and resources.
Advocate for positive change through quality, evidence based advice to governments and other organisations on critical issues for autistic people including early identification and assessment, NDIS, education, employment, mental health, women & girls.
Community engagement and capacity building through consultation with the autism community, improving knowledge, skills and capability of individuals and private, public and social organisations.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced professional to lead our Policy and Advocacy team and drive the policy agenda for autism in Victoria. You will combine strong evidence with genuine community consultation to create robust policy platforms (via manifesto, position statements and submissions) and ensure the voices and needs of autistic people are heard by decision-makers.
Momentum for improving the quality of life for autistic people has never been higher: 85% of Australians have personal contact with an autistic person; autism is the highest diagnostic group within the NDIS; and a 2017 Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry sparked a government commitment to a 5-year Victorian autism plan, now in development.
Amaze has been highly influential in government policy at state and federal levels, including being appointed to the NDIS Autism Advisory Group. This role is a rare and exciting opportunity to work with government, autism and disability sector partners, and the autism community to shape a better future for thousands of autistic people and their families.
In addition to exceptional policy analysis and writing skills, you will also have demonstrated experience in providing advice to governments, and exposure to the development implementation of advocacy campaigns.
The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in policy development in government and/or the not for profit environment, excellent stakeholder engagement skills and political nous. Experience in the disability sector would be advantageous.
Amaze is committed to improving employment opportunities for autistic people. We do this through advocating to the broader community and employing autistic people at Amaze. We endeavour to provide support and adjustments through the recruitment process and throughout employment to the specific needs of autistic candidates and employees. Autistic people with the skills and experience outlined in the position description are encouraged to apply.
The position reports to the CEO and is part of a dynamic and collaborative management team.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: Policy & Advocacy Manager via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Community_Engagement, #Disabilities
