- Justice Advocacy Service (JAS)
- Full time 37.5 hours per week - SCHADS Award Level 5 ($53.43–$55.85 per hour)
First Nations voices and perspectives are valued in this role, and we strongly encourage applications from First Nations people. Up to 40% of Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) clients identify as First Nations people, and this role provides a meaningful opportunity to support their rights and access to justice.
About the Justice Advocacy Service
The Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) is a free, statewide service supporting people with cognitive impairment when they come into contact with the criminal legal system.
With the support of skilled volunteers, JAS assists individuals with diverse cognitive impairment, including intellectual disability, brain injury, fetal alcohol disorder, autism, and dementia.
JAS operates as part of the Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS), a community legal centre and disability advocacy organisation committed to making rights real. We work alongside communities, and we strive to practice justice, respect and persistence in everything we do.
We recognise the strength, sovereignty and resilience of First Nations peoples and are committed to culturally safe, accountable and community led ways of working.
Visit our website www.idrs.org.au for more information about IDRS
what you'll be doing
As a Justice Advocate, you’ll support people with cognitive impairment as they move through the criminal legal system, ensuring their voices are heard, they can access and understand their rights and their cultural identity is respected.
You’ll provide case co-ordination and advocacy support to people, whether they are victims, witnesses, suspects, or defendants.
This role will be based in either our Blacktown or Sydney CBD office. You must be prepared to travel to courts across the Sydney metro region.
The role is 9am–5pm weekdays, with a monthly remote on-call roster offering after-hours support for people under arrest at Police stations.
If you’re committed to fairness, inclusion, and supporting people through complex systems, we encourage you to apply.
If you’re committed to fairness, inclusion, and supporting people through complex systems, we encourage you to apply.
Your work will include:
- Supporting people to understand and participate in police processes, court proceedings (including from gaols), outcomes and conditions, in ways that are accessible and individualised.
- Coordinating, supporting and debriefing local volunteers and Police Station Support Workers, ensuring consistent and effective support for each person.
- Building respectful relationships with key stakeholders including Legal Aid, First Nations Legal Services, Police, Court staff, First Nations communities to support individuals and the service.
- Working collaboratively with families, mainstream and disability community supports to strengthen outcomes and avoid further harm or criminalisation.
what we're looking for
We are looking for someone who understands that justice is not experienced equally, who is committed to working in ways that respects diversity, community and lived experience, and has the skills to engage and support people with cognitive impairment effectively.
You will bring:
- Experience working with people with cognitive impairment and/or communities facing systemic disadvantage
- A strong commitment to human rights, self-determination and supported decision making.
- An understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation, racism and over policing on First Nations peoples
- The ability to advocate firmly and respectfully to achieve fair outcomes
- Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information simply and clearly
- Experience working in culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and strengths-based ways
- Confidence working both independently and within a small, collaborative team
- Confidence working in online systems environments, including client case management systems, attention to detail and written skills to reflect legal system requirements.
- Prior experience working in volunteer support, disability services, the criminal legal system, or the NDIS is desirable but not essential.
what we offer
We offer the opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a real difference in people’s lives, work that respects culture, values lived experience and challenges injustice.
You’ll receive:
- Pay under the SCHADS Award Level 5 ($53.43–$55.85 per hour) plus 12% superannuation
- Access to Not-for-profit salary packaging, increasing your take home pay
- Flexible working arrangements where possible, including some work-from-home options
- 15 days personal leave each year
- Additional Gratis leave between Christmas Day and New Years Day
- Supportive supervision, reflective practice and debriefing opportunities to support your wellbeing
- A culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace for First Nations employees
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program
employment screening
A National Police Check will be completed for recommended applicants. A NSW Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) needs to be provided by the successful person.
We are committed to fairness and inclusion and having a criminal record does not automatically exclude you from applying for this role. While we conduct employment screening, we consider each applicant’s circumstances individually and value lived experience.
next steps
To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by 9am on the closing date.
Please ensure that you look at the "Application instructions" before applying.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the role, please feel free to contact Eliza Kidd at [email protected] using the subject line: Justice Advocate - Sydney Metro enquiry via EthicalJobs, or by phone during business hours, Monday to Friday, on 0428 864 276 .
A position description is attached.