Disability Advocate: Yarn'n Strong ILC Project

CQID is experiencing enormous organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.

CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of the Advocate, Yarn'n Strong position is to support the design and delivery of activities associated with a new Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) project being delivered by Central Queensland Indigenous Development (CQID) across the areas of Rockhampton, Livingstone and the Central Highlands.

The Yarn'n Strong project will be based and have strong connections to local community to raise awareness and understanding of rights for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

The Advocate, Yarn'n Strong, will deliver high quality, culturally appropriate and safe activities which ensure that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people with disability, their families, supports and community are aware of their rights and have the skills, knowledge and confidence to exercise those rights. This includes providing information, group activities, resources and individual support regarding disability rights, self-advocacy and assistance to navigate complaints processes.

The Advocate reports to the General Manager, Therapeutic and Clinical Services and works closely and in collaboration with a consortia arrangement of project partners located throughout Queensland.

The Advocate is responsible for ensuring that all information and services provided are consistent with the purpose, vision, and values of CQID and the Yarn'n Strong ILC project and complies with relevant legislation, quality standards, contemporary research and practice wisdom. CQID aspires to conduct reflective practice in all aspects of work, continuous quality improvement and the highest possible standards of service provision.

This is an Identified position. CQID considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act QLD 1991. We strongly encourage those with a lived experience to apply for this position. CQID will consider part-time and job-sharing options to ensure flexibility and accessibility for applicants with a lived experience of disability.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Be involved in the design and delivering of high-quality, culturally appropriate and engaging activities through formats such as group information sessions, yarning circles, individual supports and self-advocacy resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and their supports / community who are seeking to build their skills and confidence with:

1. Upholding their human rights
2. Accessing or navigating services, systems or complaints processes

• Respectfully engage and work collaboratively with community, community leaders and other stakeholders in the delivery of project activities.
• Provide ongoing support to Local Community Advocates within funded locations.
• Maintain high standards of recording and reporting.
• Ensure that all service targets and statutory requirements are being met or exceeded.
• Identify and provide feedback on service needs / gaps.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procedures that support the success of the project and inclusion and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
• Utilise Yarn'n Strong's resources to present and promote the project at relevant forums, public engagements, networking meetings and within community.
• Contribute to a supportive team environment through working collaboratively to share and generate ideas and solutions.
• Attend and actively participate in project training and meetings.
• Maintain up to date knowledge that supports project activities and goals.
• Participate and contribute to Workplace, Health and Safety activities to ensure a safe work environment for clients, staff, visitors and the community

Selection Criteria

• Identifies as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and be accepted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person.
• A relevant qualification in human services / community services or equivalent combination of relevant experience, education and/or training.
• Experience working with and/or advocating for people with disability of all ages, operating within a social justice framework.
• An understanding of and experience in delivering services and supports to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
• Sound knowledge of disability support programs, legislation and sector, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and roadblocks, fostering a solutions-oriented approach that contributes to the overall success of the project.
• High level written and verbal communication/presentation skills, with the ability to communicate, engage and negotiate confidently.
• A lived or living experience of disability and the disability service sector will also be highly regarded.

Essential Requirements

• A valid Queensland drivers' licence.
• Current (less than three (3) years old) pre-employment National Criminal History Certificate (ongoing renewal every 3 years at employee's expense).
• Valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (paid workers) at employee's expense.
• Valid Working with Children – Blue Card (paid workers) at employee's expense.
• Willingness to travel to regional areas outside normal working hours as required (including overnight trips on occasion).