Community Visitor (Identified)

Role Overview

The Community Visitor position involves undertaking visits to children, youth, and adults to observe and inquire into the quality and appropriateness of services provided to vulnerable individuals, as mandated by the Public Guardian Act 2014. The role includes advocacy, reporting, and addressing complaints on behalf of those visited.

Targeted Vacancy

This position is classified as Identified under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), requiring the incumbent to be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This means the applicant must identify as such and either have Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent or be accepted as such by their community. Verification of heritage may be requested, such as a statutory declaration.

About the Office

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an independent statutory body dedicated to safeguarding the rights and welfare of adults with impaired capacity, as well as children and young individuals in child protection and other designated sites across Queensland. The OPG promotes dignity, advocacy, education, and support for vulnerable community members.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform regular site visits and conduct thorough inquiries regarding the adequacy of support services delivered to individuals at visitable locations, adhering to the Public Guardian Act 2014 and OPG's policies.
• Evaluate the sufficiency of information provided to children, young people, and adults about their rights.
• Identify concerns or challenges impacting those visited through direct engagement, observation, inquiries, and document assessment.
• Provide advocacy and assistance to resolve issues, facilitate participation in decision-making, and support complaint processes.
• Apply knowledge of relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks guiding service provision.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, quickly establishing trust and rapport with diverse individuals while maintaining resilience and professional boundaries.
• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms, including report writing and proficient use of information technology.
• Uphold confidentiality and adhere to privacy standards when handling or sharing information.
• Maintain precise and timely records to comply with governance, reporting, and record-keeping standards.
• Engage actively in required training, team activities, supervision, and professional development opportunities.

Mandatory Conditions

• Must hold a valid and unrestricted driver's licence along with a roadworthy vehicle insured comprehensively or with third-party property damage cover; the insurance must indemnify the employer against certain liabilities when the vehicle is used for official purposes.
• Possession of a Working with Children Check clearance (Blue Card) is compulsory. Guidance for application will be provided if not already held.

Qualifications & Eligibility

No formal educational qualifications are necessary. A strong dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of vulnerable community members is crucial. Applications will remain active for a duration of 12 months.

Additional Information

This role is part of the occupational group Community Care within the Queensland Government sector and is located in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.