We are welcoming a committed Individual Independent Advocate to support vulnerable people with disability to realise their fundamental human rights, to provide a voice and choice in how people want to be supported, engage in community. The position is part time (60 hours per fortnight), commencing as soon as possible until 30 November 2027. The role falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) with Salary Sacrifice, with duties in line with Level 4 or 5 depending on experience and qualifications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide individual advocacy and support to people with disability to:

- understand their rights

- access appropriate supports and services and address gaps in support

- address discrimination, conflict and unfair treatment

- make informed decisions

- build capacity to self-advocate

- ensure their fundamental needs are being met

- understand and navigate processes and systems.

- Internal reporting and external reporting to the funding bodies as required

- Participation in the network for Queensland disability advocates

- Provide information and referral internally or to other agencies for support and assistance as required

- Build and maintain strong relationships with communities, leaders, government departments and organisations to enhance outcomes for people with disability.

- Identify issues requiring systemic reform in relation to the rights of people with disability.

- Contribute to the review, design and development of resources to assist people with disability to self-advocate.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

- Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity.





- Experience in providing quality individual and systemic advocacy to persons with disability with significant experience in the field of disability, human rights, or social justice sectors.

- Highly developed interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to converse with people at grass roots, as well as those in positions of authority to affect change in the lives of people with disability.

- Well-developed organisational and time management skills, including the ability to plan, implement and evaluate strategic pieces of work.

- Current Blue Card, Disability Worker Screening and Police Check or the ability to gain them.

- Ability to travel at times to the Mackay Head Office and Isaac regions with transport and accommodation provided.

Desirable:

- Ability to work autonomously and schedule appointments with some travel.

- Tertiary qualifications in disability or health related studies, social work, legal or education.

- Previous experience/training in justice, human rights, social work would be advantageous.

About Mackay Advocacy Inc

We are an independent organisation that advocates for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland. We are a registered Charity that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life. We provide advocacy to individuals through our advocacy practice and this work informs our systemic advocacy that engages in campaigns and submissions directed at changing attitudes, law and policy.

WHY WORK FOR MAI

We are an equal prospect employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and were the first organisation to opt in to being bound by the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld).

📌 Individual Disability Advocate (Mackay)
🏢 Mackay Advocacy
📍 Mackay