• Join a passionate team determined to fight the good fight in providing high-quality services to the community!
• Earn an attractive salary starting from $102,219 (in line with SCHADS level 6.1) + super + salary packaging and MORE!
• Be part of an exceptional organisation with a firm commitment to people, culture and advocacy!

About the Organisation

Over the last three decades, Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) has been a beacon of hope, tirelessly advocating for the vulnerable in the Northern Territory. Our commitment to justice is unwavering; we provide free, confidential support to empower individuals in our community. Through fair access to legal advice and fearless advocacy, we resolve injustices and confront disadvantages directly. 

Our Seniors and Disability Rights Service offer crucial advocacy for seniors, those in aged care and people with disabilities. Not just a service, we are a trusted ally, actively collaborating to highlight justice issues, raise awareness, and promote change that fosters fairness and justice. Join us in our enduring mission to make a difference as we mark 30 years of dedicated service in the Northern Territory. 

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.dcls.org.au/

Together, let's continue to shape a more just and equal future for all.

About the Opportunity

DCLS now has an exciting and rewarding opportunity for a full-time Senior Disability Advocate to join their team in Darwin, NT.

This role is central to providing leadership and supervision within the Seniors and Disability Rights Service (SDRS), ensuring advocacy support to those in need. Reporting directly to the SDRS Team Leader and overseeing a team of Disability and NDIS Appeals Advocates, your main responsibility will be to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Some of your core duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Providing accessible and responsive supervision to direct reports
• Ensuring the provision of relevant reports to the SDRS Team Leader
• Providing comprehensive advocacy support to individuals in aged care, with disabilities, and those eligible for NDIS, including document preparation and representation at hearings
• Identifying and delivering community education and training needs
• Advocating for systemic changes and law reform to support the rights of people with disabilities
• Managing and overseeing casework in accordance with funding requirements and DCLS guidelines
• Maintaining and developing stakeholder relationships and participating in relevant networks and forums

To read the full position description, please click here.

We have outreach programs to remote NT communities, and you can have the opportunity to be a part of this as our Senior Disability Advocate if it aligns with your passion.

About You

To qualify, you will need proven supervision of team members in an advocacy and case management environment and a strong understanding and commitment to key principles and values of advocacy. A minimum of 3-5 years experience working with older people, people with disabilities, and people from a CALD or Indigenous background within an advocacy framework will also be essential.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience providing outreach services in a community-based environment
• Developing and implementing community education materials
• High standard of written and verbal communication skills
• Ability in the use of Microsoft Office and database systems
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

As our ideal candidate, you will be passionate about people's rights, and loud and outspoken about changing legislation. Your commitment to social justice and human rights, along with your proven track record of advocacy, will make you succeed in this role and a perfect fit for our collaborative, justice-oriented culture.

This role is particularly suited to someone with a background in the disability and NDIS space as well as having a broad knowledge of the legislation surrounding NDIS. At DCLS we value Culture, Passion, and Work Ethic above all else. We seek a self-motivated, committed team member, passionate about making a long-term difference in disability advocacy.

Bonus points, if you have worked with the NDIS, and lived experience of disability, is also an advantage for this role. In joining, you will share our passion and culture and we will provide all necessary support and training.

About the Benefits

As our Disability Advocate, you will receive an attractive salary in line with SCHADS Award level 6.1 (including DCLS 1% addition), starting at $102,219 plus super, based on skills and experience, and great benefits!

In addition, you will have access to great benefits including:

• Relocation assistance is on offer for the right candidate
• Salary sacrificing of up to $15,900 annually
• 6 weeks annual leave, including leave loading on all 6 weeks, and 15 days of personal leave 
• Have the opportunity to join our social club and do fun activities with people from all areas of our business
• Monthly team bonding activities and Friday afternoon get-togethers
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Ongoing training and professional development

You will be joining a close-knit team of professionals who are extremely passionate and dedicated to delivering high-quality and effective aged and disability services to the community.

Darwin Community Legal Service is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages people with lived experience of disability to apply.

Ready to Apply?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can immediately affect the lives of people living with disability, and make long-term reforms and improvements, Apply Now!