Ifas advocate (bendigo)

Work type: Full time

Salary: Salary not specified

Grade: WVR 3.2 - 32AO5C

Occupation: Community Services

Location: Bendigo

Reference: VG/VLA/FYCL/1863846

Provide non-legal advocacy to families in the child protection system, focusing on rights education, self-advocacy support, referrals to services, and pre-proceedings assistance for parents and primary carers.

• Full time maximum term position up to 30 June 2027.
• Salary range: $86,436 - $101,868 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging.
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model.

Join a unique and innovative service supporting clients involved in the child protection system. VLA's Independent Family Advocacy and Support (IFAS) provides non-legal advocacy to parents involved in the early (pre-court) stages of child protection. IFAS has a particular focus on supporting First Nations families, parents with an intellectual disability, and families from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. We are seeking a committed and client-focused advocate to join our growing IFAS team as we expand the service to new areas. In your role, you will provide high quality non-legal advocacy services to parents, including the provision of information about child protection decision-making processes; supporting clients to understand their rights and self-advocate; making referrals to legal and non-legal services; and assisting clients through direct advocacy with Child Protection and other relevant agencies.

You will work closely with other advocates, senior advocates, the IFAS Manager and lived experience consultant, as well as legal and other colleagues in VLA. You will also maintain strong referral relationships with agencies in the child and family services system, including through outreach and co-location. This role is based at our Bendigo office on Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country, with regular travel required in the Mallee, Loddon, Goulburn and Ovens Murray catchment areas for co-location outposts and service delivery.

• Experience in advocacy, social work or community development with clients in the child protection, community services or justice systems.
• Knowledge of the child protection system, child and family services and relevant legal and policy frameworks.
• Experience working with First Nations families, adults with intellectual disabilities, and/or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, particularly within the child protection system.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build rapport with clients quickly.
• Post-secondary qualification (certificate, diploma or degree) in a relevant field such as social work, human services or community development.

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance