Advocate Guardian First Peoples Engagement Lead

This is a prioritised role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

About the Business Unit
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) is an independent statutory office accountable to the Victorian Parliament which has been established to protect the rights of, and enhance the position of, people with disabilities in Victoria. OPA is a human rights organisation that promotes the diversity and inclusion of all people. OPA's vision is of a just and inclusive society that values and respects people from all walks of life and ages. OPA promotes a workplace culture where disability, and diversity of gender identities, sexualities, faiths, ethnicities, and abilities are respected. OPA values a range of experience in its employees, including professional, volunteer and lived experience.
One of the principal functions of the Public Advocate, when appointed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), is to act as guardian of last resort for persons with disability when there is no other suitable person available. OPA's clients are diverse, reflecting our diverse community. This includes First Peoples, people from CALD backgrounds and people who identify as LGBTIQ.

About the Role
The Advocate Guardian / First Peoples Engagement Lead has two aspects to the role. At least 50% of the role will be spent on the First Peoples Engagement component and the remaining 50% component being to hold a guardianship caseload.
The position will sit within one of OPA's Advocate Guardian teams. The position will also be part of a new small First Peoples' network at OPA.
OPA recognises the importance of career progression opportunities. This is a key reason this new role has two components.
OPA also recognises the importance of flexibility. It is likely that the time split between the two components will vary depending on the priorities at the time. It is envisaged that initially the focus will be on learning and training for the advocate guardian role. Subsequently the focus will switch to establishing the First Peoples engagement component. At other times, it is likely to be relatively evenly balanced between the two components.

About you
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal Community.
- Knowledge of the Victorian human services sector and detailed experience in one of the areas of disability, mental health, acquired brain injury or aged care.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
- Experience with NDIS procedures and protocols is highly desirable.

How to Apply

**FOR INTERNAL VPS EMPLOYEES**:
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**:
The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). Therefore, there is a requirement that all DJCS employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to undertake duties outside of their homes.

At interview stage and prior to commencement of employment with the department, you will need to provide evidence that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 with three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Upon commencement of employment with the department you will be required to provide evidence that you have an up-to-date vaccination status within the timelines specified by the department into the DJCS Service Portal. This includes evidence of three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine required by the department (from time to time).

**Acceptable evidence includes**:
COVID-19 digital certificate(available via your myGov account)

Your immunisation history statement (available via your myGov account)

Other documentation outside the above will not be accepted as evidence of having received your COVID-19 vaccine doses.