Information Package for Applicants

Policy Officer

This information package is designed to provide applicants for the role of Policy Officer with an overview of the organisation, the role and the application/selection process.

1.THE ORGANISATION

1.1Description

People with Disability Australia Incorporated (PWDA) is a national disability rights organisation. Its primary membership is made up of people with disability and organisations primarily constituted by people with disability. PWDA also has a large associate membership of other individuals and organisations committed to the disability rights movement. PWDA was founded in 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons, to provide people with disability with a voice of our own. PWDA has a cross disability focus – we represent the interests of people with all kinds of disability. PWDA is a non-profit, non-government organisation.

PWDA is also a founding member of Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia) along with Women With Disabilities Australia, First Peoples Disability Network Australia, and National Ethnic Disability Alliance. DPO’s are organisations that are led by, and constituted of, people with disability.

The key purpose of DPO Australia is to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia by working collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes, strategic priorities and opportunities. DPO Australia has been funded by the Australian Government to be the recognised coordinating point between Government/s and other stakeholders, for consultation and engagement with people with disability in Australia.

1.2Our vision

PWDA’s vision is of a socially just, accessible and inclusive community, in which the human rights, citizenship, contribution, potential and diversity of all people with disability are respected and celebrated with pride.

1.3Our purpose

Our purpose is to be a leading disability rights, advocacy and representative organisation of and for all people with disability, which strives for the realisation of our vision of a socially just, accessible and inclusive community.

1.4Our activities

PWDA provides the following services:

  • Rights related information, advice and referral services for people with disability and their associates
  • Short-term individual and group advocacy assistance for people with disability and their associates
  • Strategic legal advocacy, law reform, and other legal policy analysis and advice
  • Advocacy for reform around systemic issues that adversely affect people with disability and their associates
  • Representation and Coordination of the sector of interest constituted by people with disability and their associates to government, industry and the community generally
  • Capacity-building partnerships with disabled peoples organisations
  • Disability rights related research and development around issues of concern to people with disability and their associates
  • Disability rights related training and education for people with disability and their associates, service providers, government and the public
  • Our values

We believe that people with disability, irrespective of our age, gender, cultural or linguistic background, geographic location, sexuality, or the nature, origin, or degree of our disability:

  • Have a right to life, and to bodily integrity
  • Are entitled to a decent standard of living, an adequate income, and to lead active and satisfying lives
  • Are people first, with human, legal, social and service user rights that must be recognised and respected
  • Are entitled to the full enjoyment of our citizenship rights and responsibilities
  • Are entitled to live free from prejudice, discrimination and vilification
  • Are entitled to social support and adjustments as a right, and not as the result of pity, charity, or the exercise of social control
  • Contribute substantially to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social diversity and well-being of our community
  • Possess many skills and abilities, and have enormous potential for life-long growth and development
  • Are entitled to live in, and be a part of, the diversity of the community
  • Have the right to participate in the formulation of those policies and programs that affect out lives
  • Should be empowered to exercise our rights and responsibilities without fear of retribution.
  • Our Principles

In realising our vision, purpose and core values, we are guided by the following principles:

  • We will recognise and value the contribution of our members, our Board, our staff and volunteers towards the achievement of our vision
  • We are accountable for our activities to our members, to people with disability generally, and to the public
  • We will be passionate, innovative and fearless in the promotion and defence of the rights and interests of people with disability
  • We are accessible and responsive to our community, and inclusive of its diversity
  • We will actively facilitate and value the involvement of people with disability in our organisational governance and policy and program development
  • We will encourage, empower and support the civic participation of people with disability
  • We will be collaborative and supportive in our relationships within the disability rights movement as a whole, at the local, regional, state, national and international levels
  • We always act with honesty and integrity
  • We are resourceful and efficient in the marshalling and management of the resources needed to undertake our work

1.7Organisational Structure

PWDA has an innovative organisational structure designed to allow the flexibility the organisation needs to respond to external opportunities and changes.

This structure sees the executive management of PWDA comprising a team of twoPWDA Co- Chief Executive Officers, each sharing responsibility for the overall performance of the organisation. Each Co-CEO is also responsible for specific programs and projects, as designated by the Board from time to time.

The twoPWDA Co-CEOs report to the Board.

The organisation is structured into three broad program areas:

  • Systemic Advocacy, Research, Training, Media and Communications
  • Individual and Group Advocacy
  • Corporate Services and Finance

In addition there are a number of projects, run by project managers, who individually report to one or other of the Co-CEOs.

2.THE ROLE

Position Title: / Policy Officer
Reports To: / Senior Policy Officer
Direct Reports: / No direct reports
May supervise sessional workers, volunteers and student placements as required.
Budget: / Limited budget management responsibility for small, discreet projects
Job Purpose: / To provide representation, policy analysis, advice and support in relation to PWDA’s systemic policy work in NSW and nationally, primarily in the areas of violence prevention, social inclusion and accessibility.
To implement project work and related capacity building on accessibility and peer education as part of two NSW Women Domestic and Family Violence Innovation Fund initiatives.
Job Grade / Grade 5 – SCHADS Award
Stakeholders: /
  • People with disability
  • PWDA Board and PWDA members
  • External stakeholders in the domestic and family violence sector
  • PWDA – Systemic advocacy, individual advocacy, media and communications, training
  • Co-CEOs
  • NSW Government
  • Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia) Director and organisational members
  • National and international organisations in the human rights, disability sectors

Date Prepared: / July 2017
PWDA reserves the right to alter this position description from time to time in accordance with the needs of the organisation

2.1 Job Description

Key Result Areas / Performance Measures / Actions/Duties
Policy Analysis and Training Development / High quality training resources researched and developed (reflecting PWDA positions and standards)
High quality written policy analysis (reflecting PWDA standards)
High quality verbal policy analysis (reflecting PWDA position)
Number of policy statements, submissions and resources developed following consultative processes
Number of requests for policy advice and assistance
Timely support to Senior Policy Officers, CO-CEOs and PWDA staff
Number of collaborative partnerships and networks developed and utilised
Number of submissions and policy advice which are inclusive of priority populations groups
Feedback from clients, members, staff and external stakeholders / Undertake research of vest practice training resources and delivery methods, and work with Training Manager to develop packages as required.
Consult people with disability and their associates in the analysis and development of policy positions, submissions and training resources. In particular, to involve PWDA’s membership in policy analysis and development processes
Undertake high-level policy analysis and advice in relation to issues affecting people with disability and their associates
Assist in developing PWDA policy statements and other policy resources in relation to issues affecting people with disability and their associates
When required provide advice and support to the Advocacy team and Co-CEOs on relevant issues
As required represent PWDA on external committees and at public hearings dealing with issues affecting people with disability and their associates
Identify emerging issues affecting people with disability and their associates, and assist in the development of appropriate responses to these issues
As required, network among disability rights organisations, and other relevant groups, in relation to policy issues, training, research and capacity building issues and opportunities affecting people with disability
Support and resource internal policy development exercises
Complete project work as required
Project and Campaign Assistance / Documented work plan for each project/campaign
Feedback from Supervisor
Projects activities completed on time
Number of tenders/proposals assisted per year
Participation in reporting to funding bodies
High quality information produced for PWDA members and stakeholders / Create work plan for each advocacy, research, campaign or capacity building project and key areas of work.
Contribute to or undertake specific violence prevention and accessibility projects, including developing project plans, managing resources, and engaging with stakeholders
Undertake project activities as required within timeframes and in line with contractual expectation
Assist in identifying sources of project funding and in writing proposals for tenders and grants
Assist in project evaluation and reporting to funding bodies
Liaise with external stakeholders and maintain positive relationships
Collaborate with staff across PWDA to meet project deliverables
Organisational Responsibilities and Communications / High quality information produced for PWDA members and stakeholders
Active and involved member of the systemic advocacy team and PWDA
Currency of skills and knowledge / Create policy-oriented information for distribution to PWDA’s members and stakeholders as required, including web-site and other on-line information posts
Prepare for and participate in structured supervision meetings
Participate in individual and organisational continual performance development activities including training and planning days
Regularly participate in team and general staff meetings, and other meetings as required
Provide support to other team members as required and directed

2.2 Selection Criteria

Essential: /
  • Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the rights and interests of people with disability
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Demonstrated excellent policy analysis and training development skills
  • Demonstrated excellent consultation and networking skills
  • Demonstrated skills in project management including skills in managing support staff, resources, budgets, reporting and contractual arrangements
  • Excellent capacity to manage timeframes and competing priorities
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team environment
  • Demonstrated experience in cultural competency
  • Computer literacy in a Windows PC environment
  • Ability to travel throughout NSW and nationally

Desirable: /
  • Personal or family experience of disability
  • Degree in social sciences or related discipline
  • Demonstrated skills in capacity building with people with disability

2.3Salary and Conditions

Status

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 Level 5

Annual Salary

$72,286 - $76,602 per year

Pay

Fortnightly in arrears by electronic funds transfer.

Hours per week

35 hours per week; ordinary time within bandwidth 7:00am to 7:00pm; flexibility to work outside ordinary hours is required

Annual Leave

20 days pro rata with 17.5% loading.

Other leave

Special Leave; Bereavement Leave; Long Service Leave; Parenting Leave; Study Leave. (note that some leave is paid, some is available without pay, and some is available only at the discretion of the employer).

Conditions

As per the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (Modern Award 2010), subject to the People with Disability Australia Incorporated Enterprise Agreement.

Location

Level 10, 1 Lawson Square, Redfern, NSW 2016

Accessibility

PWDA is a fully accessible workplace. Reasonable workplace adjustment needs are negotiated and managed through Workplace Adjustment Plans.

Travel

Intra and interstate travel and occasional international travel may be required.

Union

Australian Services Union – Social Welfare Branch.

Superannuation

As per Australian Superannuation Guarantee (currently 9.5%), payments to HESTA Superannuation Scheme or as otherwise agreed.

Supervision

Regular structured supervision.

Performance Appraisal

At 3 months, 6months, and 12 months. Probationary period 3 months

Working with Children Check

PWDA is a registered employer under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act, 2012. The successful applicant must be approved under the Working with Children Check prior to taking up appointment.

NSW Police Check

PWDA receives funding from Aging, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), NSW Department of Families and Community Services (FACS) under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014. The successful applicant must be approved under the NSW Police Check prior to taking up appointment.

3MAKING YOUR APPLICATION

If you would like to discuss your interest in the position prior to submitting an application, please contact Kate Finch by:

  • Telephone: 02 9370 3100
  • Email:
  • Fax: 02 9318 1372
  • TTY: 1800 422 016

Applications may be submitted in writing, by email or by other agreed format. Please discuss other alternative formats withKate Finchprior to submitting your application.

Please include the following in your application:

  • A statement addressing the essential and desirable criteria
  • Your CV
  • Names and contact details for two referees

Please mark your application Private and Confidential and send it to:

Kate Finch

PO Box 666

Strawberry Hills

NSW 2012

Or email to:

Applications close at5pm Monday 7 August 2017

** No late applications, or applications that do not address the selection criteria will be accepted.

4THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

If you are successfully shortlisted for this role, interviews are likely to be held in the week beginningMonday 14 August 2017for a commencement date as soon as possible.

Your preparation for the interview should include some research about our organisation including our media profile and membership engagement activities (refer to our website at and preparing examples from your work history of how you have demonstrated the selection criteria.

If selected for interview you will be required to provide a writing sample.

Interview questions will be supplied prior to interview and will be structured around the selection criteria.

Policy Officer: Position Description

July 2017

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