Advocate

**Role Description - Advocate / Compliance & Operations Manager (APO)Position Overview**

The Advocate & Compliance Manager plays a dual role of **ensuring compliance** with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and **representing participant rights** during operational decision-making. This position also fulfils the **Authorised Program Officer (APO)** function, responsible for restrictive practice approvals and behaviour support compliance.

A critical part of this role is **active participation in NDIS Reviews and Meetings** to ensure the provider’s compliance position is clear, advocacy is delivered for participants, and organisational practices are aligned with NDIS standards.

**Key ResponsibilitiesAdvocacy**
- Represent participant needs and rights in NDIS reviews, planning meetings, and provider reviews.
- Ensure participants and their families understand their rights and choices under the NDIS.
- Work closely with participants to prepare for plan reviews and communicate outcomes to operational teams.

**Compliance**
- Oversee compliance with NDIS Practice Standards, Restrictive Practices requirements, and Behaviour Support Plan obligations.
- Maintain registers for incidents, restrictive practices, staff credentials, and policy updates.
- Lead organisational participation in NDIS audits, mid-term reviews, and quality improvement meetings.

**Operations**
- Support contractor and staff compliance through onboarding, credential management, and training.
- Align operational practices with NDIS plan requirements and participant goals.
- Ensure shifts, PRODA claims, and service delivery are consistent with compliance and funding categories.

**NDIS Review & Meeting Participation**
- Attend NDIS **audit and compliance meetings** as the provider’s representative.
- Participate in **participant plan reviews**, ensuring services are properly reflected and funded.
- Prepare reports, evidence, and documentation for NDIS review processes.
- Act as spokesperson for the provider in meetings with the NDIS Commission, support coordinators, or external stakeholders.
- Document all meeting outcomes and implement action points into the compliance framework.

**APO Duties**
- Authorise and oversee any restrictive interventions, ensuring compliance with legislation.
- Submit and monitor Behaviour Support Plans with the Victorian Senior Practitioner (or relevant authority).
- Provide staff training and ensure restrictive practices are used only as a last resort.

**Key Skills & Attributes**
- Knowledge of NDIS Quality and Safeguards Framework.
- Strong advocacy and negotiation skills in review/meeting environments.
- High-level reporting and documentation ability.
- Experience leading audits, compliance reviews, and corrective action plans.
- Confidence in representing the provider in official NDIS engagements.

**Reporting Line**
- Reports to: Director / CEO of NDIS Provider.
- Works closely with: Support Coordinators, Behaviour Support Practitioners, NDIS Commission, and participant families.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Subcontract, Contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $70,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Professional development assistance
- Salary packaging

Work Location: In person