Job Description
Disability Liaison Officer - ACT
Location: Canberra, ACT
Employment Type: Full-time
Classification: Community Services / Advocacy
About the role:
We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Disability Liaison Officer to provide advocacy and support to people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities who are engaged with justice and community support programs in the ACT.
This role focuses on empowering individuals-particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to stay connected to their communities, reduce reoffending, and ensure that their rights, voices, and wellbeing remain central to service delivery.
About the Organisation
This position is within a community-based organisation dedicated to delivering culturally safe, inclusive, and person-centred support for people navigating the justice system. The organisation is committed to social justice, equality, and community empowerment through advocacy, education, and collaboration with partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
Provide individuals with clear, accessible information about the justice system, helping them understand decisions that affect them.
Support clients in identifying and prioritising their safety, wellbeing, and personal goals.
Encourage and assist clients to self-advocate, or advocate on their behalf where needed.
Connect clients with appropriate services such as disability supports, housing, Centrelink, and NDIS providers.
Work collaboratively with social workers, legal professionals, and community organisations to ensure holistic support.
Attend court proceedings, meetings, and community events to provide guidance and advocacy.
Maintain accurate client records, case notes, and data to support reporting and service improvement.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with justice, community safety, and disability service networks.
Contribute to organisational goals and uphold values of respect, cultural safety, and accountability.
Key Competencies and Requirements
Essential:
Understanding of the social and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Demonstrated experience supporting clients with disabilities, preferably within justice or community service contexts.
Proven background in advocacy, social work, disability support, or related fields.
Ability to work in a trauma-informed, person-centred, and culturally safe manner.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to manage professional boundaries.
Effective organisational and administrative skills, including digital literacy.
Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, evolving environment.
Desirable:
Qualifications in social work, community services, or a related discipline.
Unrestricted ACT driver's licence and willingness to travel as required.
Identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Experience working in community-controlled or justice-focused organisations.
Knowledge of local community networks and service systems.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a purpose-driven, community-focused organisation making a genuine difference.
Work within a supportive and culturally safe environment.
Opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and community engagement.
AUSTRALIA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.
We welcome applications from people who reflect the diversity of the organisations we partner with, and the people they support. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability and lived experience to apply.
*The Employer considers gender a genuine occupational qualification for this position under Section 27 (2), (c), (e) and (g) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and so we ask that only female applicants apply
*Tradewind considers that being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent is a genuine occupational requirement as outlined in section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act (1991) and permitted as a 'special measure' under section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) and by articles 1(4) and 2(2) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
