WHO WE ARE

Disability Resources Centre Inc (DRC) is a disability-led advocacy and campaigning organisation. As a radically inclusive Disabled People’s Organisation we work towards our vision of a world built on Disability Justice and Disability Pride.

DRC is funded to provide individual advocacy for adults with disability in Greater Melbourne and hosts a network connecting people with disability across Victoria. The team also works to tackle systemic barriers and conducts and supports campaigns that aim to provide long-term benefits for the disability community.

DRC is committed to providing a workplace that is flexible and accessible for all its team members.

Our Vision: A world where Disability Justice and Disability Pride are embraced and celebrated by all.

Our Purpose: Together we strive to eliminate all forms of disability oppression and realise our human rights.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Specialist Advocate: Communication Support Needs is a new position within DRC, a dynamic organisation that is going through a time of great change.

The role is designed to provide individual and systemic advocacy for people with communication support needs and will include developing resources, writing submissions and campaigning for policy change.

Although very much part of DRC, the specialist advocate will often be working independently and with separate objectives to the rest of the advocacy team. This role will suit a tenacious self-starter with a strong history of advocacy work who enjoys working autonomously.

Significant experience within the disability sector is required.

Key Responsibilities

Individual and Self Advocacy Support

Represent and/or assist children and adults with communication support needs to present their views, needs and expectations to schools, disability service providers, mainstream service providers, governments, statutory authorities, and other bodies as required.

Systemic Advocacy / Community Support

Engage in systemic advocacy to represent the needs and rights of children and adults with communication support needs in education, the workplace and the community at large.This will include participating in policy change dialogues, writing submissions and developing resources.

Reporting

Internal and external reporting, including responsibilities for creating, maintaining and reviewing consumer files and ensure compliance with the relevant policies, standards and legislation.

We are looking for someone who:

• Identifies as a person with disability and has a demonstrated commitment to advancing disability rights, justice and inclusion.

• Has a demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision; to be driven and self-motivated.

And who has:

• Experience in supporting people with a variety of communication support needs.

• A practical knowledge of the disability advocacy sector, relevant legislation, and enforcement processes, and experience of delivering disability advocacy.

• A detailed understanding of the systems designed to support people with disability across Government and non-Government sectors.

• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.

• Willingness to travel throughout Melbourne and, on occasion, state-wide.

If you have any questions please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Specialist Advocate - Communication Support Needs enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.