About the Role
We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic person to be the Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service (IDAS) Aboriginal Advocate based in Penrith. The position will cover the Greater
Sydney area.
The advocate works together with Indigenous people living with a disability and/or their carers and families, to ensure they achieve and maintain their rights. IDAS aims to prevent abuse, discrimination or negligent treatment of Indigenous people with disability, promote the human rights of Indigenous people with disability and support them to make informed choices.
The Aboriginal Advocate is responsible for a caseload as directed by the Manager and uses
their strong local knowledge to work alongside communities, supporting them to be
welcoming and inclusive to people living with a disability. IDAS works with Indigenous people
in Greater Western Sydney and throughout Regional NSW when required, therefore this
position may require travel to different regions within NSW.
Primary Responsibilities
• Provide support to Indigenous people with disability and/or their carers to ensure and
facilitate their access to services, and equitable treatment within services;
• Work with team to meet required targets set by funding bodies
• Compliance with Disability Advocacy Standards, relevant legislation and policies and
procedures;
• Develop and implement external partnerships and ensure all relevant stakeholders are
communicated with effectively and consistently;
• Prepare and submit reports for monthly one on one and monthly team meetings;
• Liaise with other community organisations to improve interagency relationships;
• Manage and oversee all general administration tasks associated with the role including;
o Telephone and Email communication;
o Database maintenance;
o Maintain case notes and up to date client information
Requirements
Selection Criteria
1. Aboriginality. This position is an identified Aboriginal position. Aboriginality is a genuine
qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination ACT 1977
2. Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal Culture. A strong commitment to working with
Indigenous people & communities, and a broad understanding of the issues experienced by
Aboriginal people with a disability and their carers living in the community
3. Qualifications in Law, Social Work, Disability, Community Services or Health
4. Demonstrated skill in provision of high complexity advocacy to people living with a disability
and/or from disadvantaged group, basic knowledge of the law and legal resources relevant to
people with a disability
5. High level of verbal and written communication, research, problem solving and negotiation skills
6. Well-developed interpersonal skills, integrity and a sensitive approach to working with individuals
7. Demonstrated skills in report writing, recording case notes and use of client management database
8. Sense of self-responsibility, initiative and motivation in approach to workload and time
management. Must be able to work unsupervised, be reliable and meet deadlines
9. Current Police Check and Working with Children Check
10. Valid NSW unrestricted driver licence, and willingness to travel widely within the region
Desirable:
1. Knowledge of local services and resources relevant to people with a disability
2. Knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the NDIS appeals process
3. Demonstrated experience in public speaking, presentation, community education and networking
to promote understanding, inclusiveness, and greater accessibility within the community
About the Company
Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC) is an established Aboriginal community-controlled organisation in Greater Western Sydney. Operating from our SRAC Community Hub in Penrith and Yanala Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Doonside, we deliver comprehensive, culturally safe services that empower and strengthen our people.
We are at the forefront of disability advocacy, providing tailored NDIS supports, aged care navigation, and social programs for Elders. Our Keeping it Deadly initiative breaks cycles through targeted early intervention and youth diversion. Families rely on us for expert case management through TEI programs, including domestic and family violence support. Yanla’s early childhood centre offers a nurturing, culturally rich environment with integrated family and community services, giving Aboriginal children the best possible start.
Led by culture, driven by community needs, and focused on closing the disparity in outcomes, SRAC sets the standard for Aboriginal service delivery in the region.