Principal Guardian

• We are recruiting to fill current and future ongoing and temporary vacancies both full-time and part time, working up to 35 hours per week.

• Locations: Working from Parramatta, Sydney CBD, Wollongong, Gosford and Newcastle or other regional offices such as Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Lismore, Bathurst and Broken Hill as agreed. Flexible and hybrid working options available.
• Clerk Grade 7/8. Base salary $110,266 p.a. to $122,058 p.a. plus 11.5% superannuation and annual leave loading.

About the team

The NSW Public Guardian can be appointed by a court or tribunal to make health and lifestyle decisions for people who are unable to make decisions on their own, or with support. These include decisions such as where a person might live, their medical and dental treatment, health care, and other services. We also provide information and support to private and enduring guardians, service providers and the wider community.

The NSW Public Guardian collaborates with various stakeholders to protect and promote the rights of vulnerable individuals. We coordinate with different divisions within the NSW Trustee and Guardian and engage with healthcare providers, legal professionals, community organisations, and families to make informed decisions.

The NSW Public Guardian has four main units:

• Practice and Strategy: Provides advocacy, policy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Service Delivery: Offers guardianship services across NSW.
• Establishment and Quality Assurance: Manages triaging and education for new guardianship and monitoring matters.
• Legal: Supports decision-making and handles legal matters.

The organisation is adopting innovative practices, including new learning models, governance, technology, and training. It is also exploring Supported Decision Making in response to future law reforms.

About the role

The role of a guardian is to understand who the represented person is, what is important to them in their life, and as far as possible, make decisions that they would have made if they had decision-making ability. Guardians ensure that their customers’ welfare and interests are maintained and seek evidence to support the decision-making process.

As a Principal Guardian you will undertake key accountabilities listed in the role description as well as participate in an after-hours roster to provide essential services 24/7.

You may be required to flex into other teams or roles as this is a flexible work organisation that both supports individuals with their work hours and creates opportunities to build careers through exposure to working across teams from time to time

For more information about the position, view the Role Description.

About you

One of the most rewarding aspects about working for us is that at the core, our people are making a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable people.

The ideal you will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Passionate advocate for the vulnerable and people with disabilities.
• Committed to providing timely, insightful customer service on complex, sensitive issues.
• Strong communicator, able to collaborate with stakeholders for optimal outcomes.
• Skilled in building relationships and supporting customers in life decisions.
• Keen interest in social justice, demonstrating empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, adaptable to various needs.
• Capable of managing complex matters and conflicting views in decision-making.
• Positive attitude with strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Self-starter, able to work both collaboratively and independently, and innovate.
• Proficient in handling conflicting priorities and complex situations.
• A good understanding of relevant legislation: Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW), the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW), the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth) and the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth).

Sound like you? We would love to hear from you!

Key knowledge and experience

• Understanding of guardianship practice, advocacy and other services accessed by people with vulnerability.

Essential requirements

• Degree and/or equivalent experience in social, health, behavioural sciences or related discipline.
• Available to travel throughout NSW and to undertake after hours work on a rotational basis.

Desirable requirements

• Supervision experience and expertise.

What we offer

NSW Trustee and Guardian offers interesting, challenging and rewarding work that has real purpose. Other benefits of joining us include:

• work-life balance with flexible work options (working from different work locations, variable start/finish times, job sharing)
• various leave options (recreation, parental, and flex leave of up to 24 days per year)
• career development including study leave and acting opportunities
• access to Fitness Passport and employee assistance program, and annual flu vaccinations

Be part of something bigger. For more information about joining us, visit the Careers page on our website.