Position Description s2

POSITION DESCRIPTION

1. POSITION DETAILS Position Title Advocate Classification Level AS06 Position No Discipline Division Office of the Guardian Date Created June 2009 Branch/Unit Date Approved

Reports To Senior Advocate Version Date 2. POSITION CONTEXT

Organisational The Guardian for Children and Young People (GCYP) promotes and protects the rights of all children and Overview young people under the age of 18 years in alternative care across South Australia. This includes those who are in relative or kinship care, foster care, residential care or youth training centres. The Office of the Guardian is an independent government office with corporate services provided by the Department for Education and Child Development. GCYP has a number of statutory functions: - to promote the best interests of children under guardianship, or in the custody of the Minister, and in particular those in alternative care - to act as an advocate for the interests of children under guardianship, or in the custody of, the Minister - to monitor circumstances of children under guardianship, or in custody, of the Minister - provide advice to the Minister on the quality of provision of care for children under guardianship, or in the custody of, the Minister and on whether the children’s needs are being met - to inquire into, and provide advice to the Minister in relation to, systemic reform necessary to improve the quality of care provided for children in alternative care - to investigate and report to the Minister on matters referred to the Guardian by the Minister GCYP also has responsibility for promoting and monitoring good information sharing practice among agencies about families with children and young people at risk of harm.

Position Purpose The Advocate position contributes to meeting the statutory functions of the Guardian, works closely with other staff and is accountable to the Senior Advocate for:  Provision of a specialist professional intervention service on behalf of individual children to resolve serious issues.  Contributing to the reporting on children’s circumstances through the GCYP monitoring framework which includes recording all formal interactions, regular visits to residential and youth training units and consultation with agencies and experts.  Undertaking agreed complex projects that inquire into systemic issues and monitor implementation of recommendations.

Key Interactions/ Senior Advocate and the Advocate (Aboriginal children) Relationships Guardian for Children and Young People Other staff within the Office of the Guardian, including volunteer youth advisors Children and young people under the guardianship or custody of the Minister and their advocates Government and non-Government organisations and other entities that have involvement with or provide services to children and young people.

Special  A current driver’s licence is essential Conditions  Some out of hours work will be required, as will inter and intrastate travel with overnight stays  A criminal history and background check will be required before the appointment can be confirmed  A flexible approach to the taking of leave is required  Successful applicants will need to show proof of having undertaken, or be prepared to undertake child safe environment training which the employer will arrange.

3. PRIMARY OUTCOMES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES KEY RESULT AREA PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Client advocacy and  Ensure the provision of high quality client services by the Office, including responding to and consultancy investigating issues raised by children in care or their advocates, advocacy on behalf of children, recommendations for resolution of serious issues, and leadership to others external and internal to the Office.  Model sound professional and ethical practice to people internal and external to the Office, including high standards in decision-making and compliance with legal requirements.  Provide expert advice, assistance and consultancy services to clients, agencies, other professionals and the Youth Court on child protection, child development, children with disabilities and the needs of individual children  Assist in the development of professional knowledge in theory and best practice in child protection by contributing to or conducting case conferences, reviews and development of policy, committees, published material and conference addresses.  Participate in high-level inter-agency committees and working parties, representing the Guardian or Senior Advocate as required.

Monitoring of circumstances Observe, record through the monitoring framework and provide high level professional advice to of children the Senior Advocate and Guardian on the circumstances of children and young people in care including:  Tracking individual cases to discern patterns, trends and systemic problems  Visiting residential and secure care facilities to talk with the young residents and to view official records  Analysing data received by the Office and establishing or reviewing the data collected through the Office’s activities  Initiating discussion with experts and relevant agencies This requires:  Respectful and strong formal and informal working relationships with key agencies and people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.  Cooperative approach to other agencies and courage in pursuing sensitive matters.  Preparation of high quality written documents, including briefings and reports within required deadlines

Inquire into systemic issues Working under broad direction the Advocate will:  Initiate, conduct or commission complex and critical projects  Prepare project plans and report against these  Monitor project progress, identified risks and implement contingency plans for emerging issues  Design and implement strategies to ensure effective implementation of project recommendations

Leadership & Management  Contribute to strategic leadership and business planning for the Office of the Guardian.  Model and initiate sound child and youth participation strategies.  Contribute to a work environment where staff are challenged and stretched to develop their competence, and encouraged and provided with opportunities for professional development.  Model ethical behaviour consistent with SA Government Code of Conduct for Public Sector Employees and a positive culture by living the Office of the Guardian’s stated values.  Understands and follows work place safety initiatives, identifies potential hazards and contributes to a safe working environment

4. POSITION SKILL/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE PROFILE PROFILE DESCRIPTION

Skills & Abilities  Highly developed communication skills, verbal and written, and the ability to provide advice and assistance on sensitive and complex issues to a wide range of people.

 Highly developed communication skills with children and young people of diverse cultural and social backgrounds, and differing abilities and age.

 Highly developed conflict resolution and negotiation skills that foster interaction and cooperation, defuse and resolve conflict, and win trust.

 Highly developed interpersonal skills that empower people, build on strengths and facilitate sound resolution of issues.

 Ability to interpret, apply and explain relevant policy and legislation.

 Proven ability to work under broad direction, under pressure, set goals and priorities to meet deadlines.  Research, analytical and conceptual skills including the ability to critically analyse statistical information and present material to a wide audience verbally, in writing or through the use of Microsoft Suite tools Experience  Significant experience in a consultancy/advocacy role on complex matters, particularly relating to children and young people with disabilities.

 Contributing to the development of professional knowledge and practice.

 Preparation of high quality written documents, including briefings, reports and case records.  Project planning, management, implementation and evaluation.

Knowledge  High level understanding of what constitutes the best interests of a child, how to reach a decision and representing or supporting that view.  Sound knowledge of professional theory and practice in the areas of child development and child protection.

Qualification - Desirable  Professional qualifications recognised by relevant Acts and/or professional associations, preferably in social work or psychology.

5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Appropriate delegate / director Date: Signature: or manager Employee Name Date: Signature: