Position Description
Title:
Advocate – Decision Support Pilot Program
Employment Type:
Part Time Contract position 30 hours per week until 30 June 2023
Classification:
Level 4
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
Division/Branch/Section:
National Disability Advocacy Program
Reporting to:
National Disability Advocacy Program
Location:
Central Hub – 70 Light Square, Adelaide
Position Purpose:
To provide advocacy and decision-making support for people interacting with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) who have limited decision-making capacity and no family, carers or friends to assist them with the necessary decision making.
Key Challenges:
Managing expectations of applicants, managing demand for the service.
Position Summary
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), states and territories have identified a cohort of people with disability who are being prevented from making access requests or proceeding through NDIS planning processes because they are unable to make informed decisions on their own and do not have any family, carers or friends to assist them with the necessary decision making.
The aim of the Decision Support Pilot is to provide advocacy and decision-making support for potential and current NDIS participants, aged 18 years and over, with limited decision-making capacity and no other appropriate decision-making support with key interactions with the NDIS. Individuals may also need assistance with other advocacy matters.
Position Requirements
Key Result Area 1: Service Delivery to individuals
Objectives
- Eligibility for the Pilot program is determined and referrals prioritised based on need and risk.
- Individuals seeking access to the NDIS are supported to make an access request.
- Evidence is sourced to support the NDIS application process.
- Rapport is built along with clear communication channels to support the decision-making process.
- Individuals are supported to formulate goals in preparation for their NDIS plan.
- Individuals are supported to make decisions about their lives and support needs in the planning process.
- Applicants are supported to self-advocate where possible.
- Department of Social Services (DSS) Operational Guidelines are upheld in the delivery of services.
- Confidentiality is upheld in the management of what may be sensitive information relating to staff or client matters.
Position holder is successful when:
- Individuals seeking support are responded to in a timely manner (within 5 business days) and referred on promptly if unable to assist within allocated resources.
- NDIS Applications are completed and suitable evidence is sourced and provided to the NDIA.
- Participants are able to communicate their needs/wishes and are supported to make decisions around their goals and NDIS plan.
- Participants are able to establish person-centered goals.
- Participants have received an NDIS plan that meets their needs and ensures their goals can be achieved.
- Applicants are confident to advocate for themselves.
- Consent forms are completed prior to information being uploaded to CRM software / DEX.
- Consent is obtained before speaking to service providers/NDIA.
Key Result Area 2: Stakeholder Engagement
Objectives
- Promote awareness of the role and availability of the Decision Support Pilot Program.
- Provide advice to individuals and service providers regarding the NDIS access and planning process.
- Participate in the national Decision Support Pilot Teleconference.
- Work effectively with applicants and their support network.
- Work effectively with the NDIA, Local Area Coordination and other relevant stakeholders.
Position holder is successful when:
- Referrals are made regularly to the program by both individuals and service providers.
- Information/expertise is provided on an individual basis as well as to service providers & government.
- Presentations are delivered in the form of education / information sessions to the general public, service providers and key influencer groups.
- Input is provided to the National teleconference and experience/advice is provided to other members.
- The support needs of applicants are communicated accurately in relation to their NDIS Application and/or planning conversation.
Key Result Area 3: Reporting and Compliance
Objectives
- Ensure all necessary data is obtained as outlined in the Data Exchange Protocols and entered accurately into CRM software to enable timely DEX reporting as per Grant Agreement.
- Contribute to government policy, service and program development through the completion of data collection and participating in any evaluation of the program.
- Identify systemic issues and provide feedback to the DSS.
- Ensure all participants receive a Client Satisfaction Survey.
- Deliver all services in line with the National Standards for Disability Services (NSDS).
Position holder is successful when:
- Data is reported accurately to the Data Exchange via CRM input.
- DSS monthly reports are completed accurately and within timeframes.
- Information is provided to government to shape policy and future directions.
- Systemic issues are reported to the Department via reporting processes or submissions where opportunities arise.
- Positive feedback is received from stakeholders.
- Audits results demonstrate alignment and compliance with the NSDS.
Key Result Area 4: Teamwork
Objectives
- Support the goals of Brain Injury SA by contributing to the objectives of the Strategic Plan.
- Support other members of the Brain Injury SA team where required.
Position holder is successful when:
- They are involved in supporting the Brain Injury SA team with activities that fall outside of their own role.
- Able to provide information and advice to colleagues on their knowledge of NDIS and Decision support processes.
Organisational Engagement
Key Tasks
- Actively support purpose and values of Brain Injury SA (BISA);
- Positively and constructively represent BISA to external contacts at all opportunities;
- Behave in a way that contributes to a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment and bullying behaviour at all times;
- Operate in line with BISA’s policies and practices;
- Help ensure the health, safety and welfare of self and others working in the organisation; and
- Follow reasonable directions given by the organisation in relation to workplace health & safety.
Key Relationships/Interactions
- Participants with disabilities and their networks
- Manager – Community and Corporate
- Funding body – Department of Social Services
- NDIS & LACs
- Service Providers
Qualifications/Registrations/Experience
Essential
- Tertiary Qualification relevant to the position for example Social Work, Psychological Science, Disability;
- Knowledge and understanding of supported decision-making principles;
- Experience working with people living with disability;
- Experience working with diverse members of the community;
- Current drivers licence;
- Must have a successful NDIS worker screening;
- Knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS); and
- Must be vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a medical exemption.
Core Competencies
Demonstrated
- Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office and CRM software
- Time management and work planning/prioritisation skills
- Organisation and problem solving
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Teamwork and working autonomously
- Accuracy and attention to detail