Overview
Work type: Full time
Salary: $113,022 - $124,885
Grade: VPSG5.1
Occupation: Community Services
Location: CBD
Reference: VG/DJ0056JUNE2025
The Victorian Public Advocate is empowered by law to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disability.
The Public Advocate is supported by staff and volunteers at the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA), including guardians, policy and research officers, advice and education staff, legal officers, corporate and administrative staff, and more than 650 volunteers.
We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers
If you are considering taking on a challenging, rewarding role that allows you to make a noticeable difference in the lives of others, we look forward to hearing from you.
- Utilise your Community Services expertise to provide support and advice to the Office of the Public Advocate
- A Fixed-Term, Full-Time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service for 12 months
- VPS Grade 5.1: $113,022 - $124,885 plus superannuation.
About the Business Unit:
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) is an independent statutory office accountable to the Victorian Parliament which has been established to protect the rights of, and enhance the position of, people with disabilities in Victoria. OPA is a human rights organisation that promotes the diversity and inclusion of all people. OPA's vision is of a just and inclusive society that values and respects people from all walks of life and ages. OPA promotes a workplace culture where disability, and diversity of gender identities, sexualities, faiths, ethnicities, and abilities are respected. OPA values a range of experience in its employees, including professional, volunteer and lived experience.
One of the principal functions of the Public Advocate, when appointed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), is to act as guardian of last resort for persons with disability when there is no other suitable person available.
About the Role:
The Advocate Guardian role involves contact with the represented person, their family and support networks along with other professionals and service providers.
Some of your duties will include:
- Under delegation from the Public Advocate, acting as guardian for people with disabilities, making complex decisions about lifestyle and medical treatment issues in situations which may involve significant conflict, remaining consistent with the requirements and principles of the Guardianship and Administration Act 2019, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016.
- Providing guardianship decision making in emergencies and after hours - this may include assessing the requirements for, and applications concerning, the use of the coercive authority of Sections 43 & 45 of the Guardianship and Administration Act 2019.
- Providing individual advocacy for people with disabilities who are at risk of, or who are experiencing, exploitation, abuse, or neglect.
To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.
About You:
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
- Knowledge of the Victorian human services sector and detailed experience in at least one of the areas of disability, mental health, acquired brain injury or aged care.
- Experience with NDIS procedures and protocols is highly desirable.
- A sound understanding of contemporary issues relating to disability, including mental illness and age-related disability, is desirable along with an understanding of their implications for practice.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable but not essential.
How to Apply:
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening. Dependant on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, drivers licence checks, medical checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.
Applications close Sunday 22 June 2025 at 11.59PM
