Policy and Advocacy Officer

Transcription

1 Position Description: Policy and advocacy officer Position Title: Program Area: Reporting to: EFT: Award: Policy and Advocacy Officer Policy and Communications Program Manager Policy and Communications Full time (fixed term contract initially for 12 months) Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Industry Award 2010 About CHP Established in 1972, the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) is the peak Victorian body representing organisations and individuals with an interest in and commitment to ending homelessness. CHP currently: o seeks to influence federal and state government policy in ending homelessness o provides the Homelessness Advocacy Service (HAS) - the pioneering complaints service of Victoria s homelessness services sector o leads consumer participation within Victoria s homelessness service sector through the Peer Education and Support Program (PESP) o produces Parity, Australia s leading national publication on homelessness o enhances the capacity of Victoria s homelessness and broader service sectors through the provision of training and forums and dissemination of current policy, practice and research information. CHP s Guiding Principles CHP is driven by underlying principles that give focus to its belief that homelessness is unacceptable, avoidable and within our reach to resolve. To that end, we will: o provide leadership in preventing and ending homelessness by developing, supporting and promoting evidence-based research, policy and practice o maximise effective consumer engagement in the development of homelessness policy and practice development 1

2 o build the capacity of CHP members, and the homelessness and broader service sectors to achieve the best outcomes for people who experience homelessness o influence as strategically and effectively as possible to achieve our mission, and o galvanise cross-sector collaboration to strengthen a shared commitment to ending homelessness. CHP is a public company limited by guarantee, and governed by a Board of Directors that work in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). There are approximately ten staff at the CHP office currently based in Collingwood. CHP includes a Policy and Communications Program which undertakes policy advocacy, produces the national homelessness publication Parity and supports the development of sector capacity. CHP also has a Consumer Program, which includes the Homeless Advocacy Service (HAS), and the Peer Education and Support Program (PESP). About the role The Policy and Advocacy Officer is responsible for: o developing innovative and evidence-based policy solutions that contribute to CHP s priorities and aim of ending homelessness in collaboration with consumers and the homelessness sector o developing advocacy strategies to facilitate the adoption of these policy solutions o undertaking research into the policy solutions and service delivery models that are best placed to end homelessness, and disseminating this knowledge to the sector. This role works closely with member organisations, and consumers of homelessness programs, to develop policy positions, and to develop the coalitions of support necessary to achieve change. This role also works closely with other staff at CHP, particularly the Media and Communications Officers, Capacity Building Coordinator, Publications Coordinator and the Manager Policy and Communications. Responsibilities and accountabilities: People management 2

3 o Supervise volunteers, interns or project staff as needed. Policy development and research responsibilities o Deliver strategic policy advice to the Manager Policy and Communications o Undertake policy development and research for CHP, including: - developing policy positions related to preventing and ending homelessness - undertaking consumer and sector consultation to inform these policy positions - identifying research gaps and developing relevant research projects to advance CHP s advocacy objectives - remaining up-to-date about new research findings related to preventing and ending homelessness - writing submissions or written responses to government processes - writing speeches, Parity articles, and briefing notes as required, and - participating in relevant reference and work groups, meetings and consultations Advocacy and campaigns o Develop and implement advocacy and campaign strategies facilitating the adoption of CHP policy proposals, including: - identifying allies within government, the sector and broader community - developing collaborative processes or alliances to advance issues - developing communication materials to support advocacy and campaign activities, such as platforms, background fact sheets, and letters to politicians - planning and organising events to promote policy proposals, and - liaising with communications staff to provide relevant content for media releases, E-Bulletins and other communications General responsibilities o Participate in areas of shared responsibility as a member of the CHP Policy and Communications team o Uphold CHP philosophies and goals o Engage in professional and ethical conduct at all times 3

4 Organisational Relationships & Accountability The Policy and Advocacy Officer reports directly to the Manager Policy and Communications. Key internal contacts include all CHP staff. The role may include line management of project and contract staff, volunteers and interns as required. Key Selection Criteria All applications for this position must address the following key selection criteria: 1. Tertiary or post graduate qualification in Social Policy, Social Research, Social Work, Community Development or related field. 2. Demonstrated experience in a social policy role, with a demonstrated ability to analyse and develop policy, produce high quality submissions, reports and position papers and effectively influence policy debates. 3. Demonstrated experience in advocacy or campaigns, and knowledge of the Victorian political system. 4. Extensive knowledge of policy relating to human services, including an understanding of the drivers of homelessness, and issues experienced by people who are homeless. Knowledge of the homelessness service system desirable. 5. High-level verbal and written communication skills with the the ability to communicate effectively to a range of diverse audiences. 6. Well developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills. Conditions of employment: Other duties as required The duties within this position description may be varied from time to time by the Manager, Policy and Communciation Unit and/or CEO to meet organisational requirements. Any variation shall be done so in consultation with the position incumbent. General conditions of employment The successful candidate must achieve a satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children Check prior to an offer of employment being accepted. The hours of work for a 1 EFT position are 38 hours per week. 4

5 Employment under the the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Industry Award Salary packaging outside of superannuation is available. Pre-employment checks may include a requirement for proof of identity, evidence and currency of qualifications, driver's licence and other relevant personal documentation. Referee checks on at least two independent referees are mandatory and will be conducted prior to an offer of employment being made. How to apply Applications should include a current CV and outline experience against the key selection criteria. Applications close 9am, Monday 18 July 2016 and can be ed to lynette@chp.org.au For any enquiries about the role contact: Kate Colvin, Manager Policy and Communication on or kate@chp.org.au 5