Role Description
The role of the Advocate is to deliver individual advocacy support to Queenslanders with disability, including young people from birth to 18 years. Under the supervision and direction of the Principal Advocate and other Senior QAI staff as required, the Advocate’s role will include providing advocacy, advice, information and referrals for clients of QAI and contributing to the systemic advocacy work and community education of QAI within the Disability Advocacy Practice.
The position is part time (60-67.5 hours per fortnight), commencing as soon as possible until 30 June 2026. The role falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award) and will be paid above award rates, with duties in line with Level 5.
Remuneration: $55 – $59.99 per hour
Key Responsibilities
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- 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.
- Minimum 2 years 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.
Desirable
- Lived experience of disability.
- Tertiary qualifications in disability or health related studies, social work, legal or education.
- Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre or Disability Advocacy Organisation would be advantageous.
- Ability to travel to meet clients, including outreach.
About us
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 and community legal centre that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life.
We provide advocacy to individuals through our three advocacy practices and this work informs our systemic advocacy that engages in campaigns and submissions directed at changing attitudes, law and policy.
Why work for QAI
We are an equal opportunity 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).
We encourage people with disability, First Nations and LGBTIQA+ people to apply as the position would benefit from a person with lived-living experiences. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments if required to assist the application and recruitment process.
We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture, as we take the well-being of our staff seriously. Our well-being program includes staff activities such as walks by the river, yoga, learning Auslan or potluck lunches, creating opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens.
We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment, professional supervision, paid parental leave, other additional leaves and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.
QAI is willing to customise the role to facilitate candidates with disability.
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to assist in the application process.
A position description is linked below.
Position description – Word (369 KB)
Position description – pdf (182 KB)
To apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing these Essential Selection Criteria:
- Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity.
- Minimum 2 years 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.
You must address the Essential Selection Criteria to be considered for this role.
Please address any questions to Megan, Chief Operating Officer on 07 3844 4200 or qai@qai.org.au using the subject line: Disability Advocate enquiry.
Applications for this position close 9am Monday 17 November 2025.