Gazetted Vacancy

Non-ongoing (temporary) 12 months with possible extension Canberra,Darwin, Northern Territory,Hobart, Tasmania,Melbourne, Victoria,Sydney, New South Wales,Townsville Regional Office, Queensland,Wagga Wagga, NSW
- APS 6 $88,490 - $99,464
- Laura Baker 02 6146 4206

**About the Stream, Group or Branch**:
The Australia’s Disability Strategy Branch sits within the Disability and Carers Stream of the Department of Social Services. The Branch is responsible for implementation of Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031 (the Strategy) and the development of new policy options for the broader disability ecosystem. The Strategy is Australia’s national disability policy framework and sets out a plan for continuing to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over the next ten years. The delivery of the Strategy involves working with state and territory governments, across Australian Government portfolios, with people with disability, their families, carers and representatives.

The Strategy sets out practical changes Australia can make to improve the lives of people with disability. The Strategy has a strong focus on outcomes measurement and accountability to drive improvements for people with disability. It will also play an important role in protecting, promoting and realising the human rights of people with disability. The Strategy established an Advisory Council to provide advice to Australian, state, territory and local governments, and to disability ministers on implementing and monitoring the Strategy.

The Council:

- advises on issues relating to the Strategy Outcome Areas, Targeted Action Plans, Outcomes Framework, Associated Plans and reporting
- provides advice directly to disability ministers, with the Chair attending one disability ministers meeting each year
- connects with state and territory disability advisory groups and the NDIS Independent Advisory Council
- the Advisory Council comprises one Chair, six members and two special advisers.

Members are drawn from a range of states and territories. Sub-working groups of the Advisory Council are set up as required. At least half the members are people with disability and include women; First Nations people; culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people; young people; and people with lived experience of rural and remote communities.

**Position Description**:
The department is seeking expressions of interest for an APS6 for 12 months with the possibility of extension to work as a Policy/Research Support Officer, working to the Senior Policy Director to support the Chair and members of the Council. The successful applicant will work closely with the Council Chair and members to support their work by undertaking research and policy analysis providing advice to members on disability inclusion issues falling under the Strategy. The purpose of the role is to assist the Council’s deliberations and preparation of Council advice.

As part of the role, and in line with the Council’s Terms of Reference and Work Plan the successful applicant will:

- undertake research and analysis activities to support the Council’s priorities
- develop papers for the Council and its working groups for consideration
- engage with stakeholders on key issues with respect to the Council’s forward work plan
- prepare detailed and expert advice for the Council informed by relevant research and stakeholders
- assist the Council to draft its advice to governments and disability ministers
- support the Council to consult with stakeholders from governments and the community
- support the Director and engage closely with the Chair and Council members
- support the Director in providing high level strategic advice and support to the Council.

The successful applicant will report to the Senior Policy Director in Australia’s Disability Strategy Branch in the Department of Social Services on a day-to-day basis and will also take direction from the Director of the Governance and Engagement team in the Branch and the Council Chair to undertake their work.

**Eligibility / Additional Requirements**:
This recruitment process is being used to fill a current non-ongoing vacancy. A merit pool of suitable applicants will be created which may be used to fill future vacancies should they become available over the next 12 months. Non-ongoing vacancies will be offered for a period of up to 12 months with the possibility of extension (up to a total period of 3 years). Should a position become ongoing then the merit pool established through this selection process may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis.To be eligible for employment with Department of Social Services (the department), you must be an Australian citizen. An applicant's suitability for employment with the Department will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This will include an identity and criminal history background check.

**Eligibility to obtain an Australian Government Secu