Intellectual Disability Rights Service – Lismore NSW

Part time 30.0 hours per week - SCHADS Award Level 5 ($53.43–$55.85 per hour)

First Nations voices and perspectives are valued in this role, and we strongly encourage applications from First Nations people. Up to 40% of Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) clients identify as First Nations people, and this role provides a meaningful opportunity to support their rights and access to justice.

About the Justice Advocacy Service

TheJustice Advocacy Service (JAS)is a free, statewide service supporting people with cognitive impairment when theycome into contact withthe criminal legal system.

With the support of skilled volunteers, JAS assists individuals with diverse cognitive impairment, including intellectual disability, brain injury, fetal alcoholdisorder, autism, and dementia.

JASoperatesas part of theIntellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS),a community legal centre and disability advocacy organisation committed to making rights real. We work alongside communities, and we strive to practice justice,respectand persistence in everything we do.

We recognise the strength, sovereignty and resilience of First Nations peoples and are committed to culturally protected, accountable and community led ways of working.

What you'll be doing

As a JusticeAdvocate,you’llsupport people with cognitive impairment as they move through the criminal legal system, ensuring their voices are heard, they can access and understand their rights and their cultural identityisrespected.

You’llprovide case co-ordination and advocacy support to people, whether they are victims, witnesses, suspects, or defendants.

This role is primarily focused on courts and communities in the eastern corridor of the Northern Rivers, including Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Ballina and Lismore, while contributing to service delivery across the broader region as required. We offer flexible work arrangements, with a requirement of attendance at the Lismore office 1 day per week.

The role is 9am–5pm weekdays, with a monthly remote on-call roster offering after-hours support for people under arrest at Police stations.

Ifyou’recommitted to fairness, inclusion, and supporting people through complex systems,



we encourage you to apply.

If you’re committed to fairness, inclusion, and supporting people through complex systems, we encourage you to apply.

Your work will include

- Supporting people to understandandparticipateinpolice processes, court proceedings(including from gaols),outcomesand conditions, in ways that are accessible and individualised.
- Coordinating,supportingand debriefing local volunteers and Police Station Support Workers, ensuringconsistent and effective support for each person.
- Building respectful relationships with key stakeholders including Legal Aid, First Nations Legal Services, Police, Court staff, First Nations communitiesto support individuals and the service.
- Working collaboratively with families, mainstream and disability community supports to strengthen outcomes and avoid further harm or criminalisation.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who understands that justice is not experienced equally, who is committed to working in ways that respects diversity,communityand lived experience,and has the skills to engage and support people with cognitive impairment effectively.

You Will Bring

- Experience working with people with cognitive impairment and/or communities facing systemic disadvantage
- A strong commitment tohuman rights, self-determination andsupported decision making
- An understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation, racism and over policing on First Nations peoples
- The ability to advocate firmly and respectfullyto achieve fair outcomes
- Demonstratedcommunication skills, including the ability to explain complex information simply and clearly
- Experience working in culturallyappropriate, trauma-informedand strengths-based ways
- Confidence working both independently and within a small, collaborative team




- Confidence working inonline systems environments, includingclient case management systems, attention to detail and writtenskills to reflect legal system requirements
- Prior experience working in volunteer support, disability services, the criminal legal system, or the NDIS is desirable but not essential

What we offer

We offer the opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a real difference in people’s lives, work that respects culture, values lived experience and challenges injustice.

You’ll receive

- Pay under the SCHADS Award Level 5 ($53.43–$55.85 per hour) plus 12% superannuation
- Access to Not-for-profit salary packaging, increasing your take home pay
- Flexible working arrangements where possible, including some work-from-home options
- 15 days personal leave each year(pro rata)
- AdditionalGratis leave between Christmas Day and New Years Day
- Supportive supervision, reflectivepracticeand debriefing opportunities to support your wellbeing
- A culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace for First Nations employees
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program

Employment screening

A National Police Check will be completed for recommended applicants.ANSW Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) needs to be provided by the successful person.

We are committed to fairness and inclusion and having a criminal record does not automatically exclude you from applying for this role. While we conduct employment screening, we consider each applicant’s circumstances individually and value lived experience.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the role, please feel free to contact Michael Young at ******@idrs.org.au using the subject line:Justice Advocate – Northern Rivers enquiry via SEEK,or by phone during business hours, Monday to Friday, on 0448 776 ***.

Interviews will be conducted in person in Lismore Tuesday 27 October 2026

A position description is available on request.

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📌 Justice Advocate, Justice Advocacy Service - Part time (Lismore)
🏢 Intellectual Disability Rights Service
📍 Lismore