Case Manager

**Case Manager (Advocate)**

**Support Australian Veterans and Make a Real Difference**

Are you passionate about advocacy and supporting those who have served our country? AVAC Services is seeking a dedicated **Case Manager (Advocate)** to assist Australian veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force in achieving fair outcomes for their claims. This full-time role will commence in **late January to early February 2025** and offers a unique opportunity to work in a meaningful and rewarding environment.

**About the Role**:
As a Case Manager, you will provide professional representation and advocacy for veterans and serving members of the ADF. Your responsibilities will include:

- Preparing and representing liability and compensation claims.
- Assisting with income support claims, household services claims, and other benefits.
- Liaising with stakeholders to ensure veterans’ needs are addressed and supported.
- Supporting veterans throughout the claims process with professionalism and compassion.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Review and prepare evidence to support claims, ensuring alignment with relevant legislation.
- Represent veterans in claims related to liability, compensation, income support, and household services.
- Advocate effectively for clients, ensuring their best interests are prioritized.
- Maintain accurate and detailed case records in our CRM system.
- Conduct periodic case reviews to ensure claims are progressing efficiently.
- Communicate professionally and empathetically with veterans, their families, and stakeholders.

**About You**:
We’re looking for someone who is:

- **Committed**: Passionate about supporting veterans and serving members of the ADF.
- **Resilient**: Able to manage exposure to potentially traumatic material with emotional maturity.
- **Organised**: Highly skilled in time management and record-keeping.
- **Adaptable**: Able to navigate a dynamic environment and changing priorities.
- **Knowledgeable**: Familiarity with legislation such as MRCA, DRCA, and VEA is an advantage.

**Essential Skills and Attributes**:

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A proactive and client-focused approach.
- High attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
- Empathy and professionalism in dealing with sensitive matters.
- Experience in advocacy, claims management, or a related field is desirable.

**Why Join AVAC Services?**
- Be part of a team dedicated to improving veterans' wellbeing.
- Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Enjoy the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

**How to Apply**:
To apply, please provide the following:

- **Your Resume.**:

- **A Cover Letter detailing your relevant experience.**:

- **A Video Application.**:

- **A Written Contention**

In your **video**, please:
In your **written contention**, please:

- Contend as to why **osteoarthritis of the knee** may be related to service in the Australian Army.

A contention is a formal written statement that explains the connection (nexus) between a condition and a person’s military service, providing clear and factual reasoning to support a claim. It should address the nature of the condition, the specific duties or events during service that contributed to it, and how those duties or events caused or worsened the condition.

**Tips**: Use clear and concise language, provide examples from service to support the connection, and avoid emotional language, focusing instead on factual, evidence-based reasoning. Be sure to include details about the physical or psychological demands of service that relate directly to the condition.

**Army Duties**:

- **Carrying Heavy Loads**: Regularly carrying heavy packs, equipment, and supplies, often exceeding 20-40 kilograms, places significant strain on the knees, especially during prolonged marches or operational deployments.
- **Navigating Rough Terrain**: Walking or running on uneven surfaces, steep inclines, or rocky ground during training exercises or field operations increases joint impact and stress on the knees.
- **Physical Training**: Repetitive high-impact activities such as running, jumping, and obstacle course training are common in the Army and can accelerate wear and tear on the knee joints.
- **Kneeling and Crawling**: Frequently kneeling, crouching, or crawling during tactical drills or field exercises puts pressure on the knee joints, leading to cumulative damage over time.
- **Fire and Manoeuvre Drills**: The physical demands of getting into and out of firing positions, such as kneeling or squatting repeatedly under load, place strain on the knees.
- **Parade and Drill Activities**: Prolonged standing, marching, and abrupt changes in movement during parade practice and drills can cause repetitive stress on the knee joints.
- **Carrying and Setting Up Heavy Equipment**: Tasks like setting up heavy weaponry, communication devices, or shelters require li