Tenant Advocate (x2 roles) – St Mary’s NSW 

Greater Sydney Aboriginal Tenancy Service (GSATS)

FIXED TERM 12 MONTHS

This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorized under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

About GSATS and the ALS

The Greater Sydney Aboriginal Tenants Service (GSATS) is based in St Mary’s and its catchment area spans from Gosford to Helensburgh and west to the Blue Mountains. This service is auspiced by the ALS and works closely with the Western Aboriginal Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (WATAAS) based in Dubbo.

• GSATS and WATAAS provide advice, advocacy and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with their tenancy matters.
• Staff provide assistance to tenants such as: telephone advice regarding the Residential Tenancy Act; negotiations with landlords; assist with applications for housing support including transfers; appeals and attendance at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
• GSATS and WATAAS services along with other Aboriginal and mainstream tenancy services are funded by the NSW Department of Fair Trading via a triennial bidding funding cycle and positions are subject to the continuation of management by the ALS beyond the 3-year funding cycle.

Born out of a protest movement, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. Our vision is to achieve social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

About the role

All Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services are supported by the NSW Tenants Union (TU) and the TU role and priorities include (but are not limited to):

• informing and educating tenants;
• advocating for the reform of policies and laws affecting tenants;
• conducting strategic litigation to advance the interests of tenants;
• supporting Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services; and
• training tenancy advocates and other community organisations

The Tenant Advocate is primarily responsible to:

• Provide advice, advocacy and community education and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with their tenancy matters;
• Provide assistance to tenants including telephone advice regarding the Residential Tenancy Act; negotiations with landlords; assist with applications for housing support;
• Identify the advice, advocacy and community education needs of Aboriginal tenants and implement developed strategies to assist access to the Tenancy services;
• Liaise with regional networks. other tenant related services and the Tenants Union to coordinate the delivery of Community Education services to tenants;
• Assist, support and represent tenants at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

Benefits of working with us

We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment, where you can develop and grow. We’re passionate about what we do, and we work hard.

The ALS values the health and wellbeing of our employees and we are proud to offer flexible work practices and additional leave entitlements.

Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

Perform responsibilities to a high standard within agreed timelines and in line with ALS vision, mission and values. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide advice, advocacy and community education support for Aboriginal tenants and clients;
• Identify the appropriate advice, advocacy and community education needs of Aboriginal tenants and clients;
• Assist, support and represent tenants at NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) hearings;
• Maintain community education statistics for reporting purposes and research;
• Work in a cooperative way with other staff members to provide outreach services;
• Liaise with regional networks, other tenants service in NSW and the Tenants Union to coordinate the delivery of Community Education services;
• Provide input to the development and review of tenancy law reform and policy in consultation with the Tenants Union and other tenant services;
• Assist in the promotion and delivery of information and educational products that proactively and positively to clients, peers, landlords and relevant stakeholders on all occasions;
• Provide considered, independent, balanced and professional advice;
• Ensure all policies and practices are ethical and comply with the ALS’s policies and workplace health and safety legislation and promote the establishment of equal employment and access in accordance with agreed statutory policy.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Aboriginality - this is an identified position under Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and staff.
• Understanding and appreciation of the role and functions of the Aboriginal Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services together with a good understanding of the relevant legislation and policies.
• Understanding of the public, social and private sector rental housing issues and challenges affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Knowledge of support and referral services available to Aboriginal clients, including those which are homeless or about to become homeless and those affected by family or domestic violence.
• Experience in the preparation and delivery of Community Education including Outreach.
• Ability to work independently, to apply sound judgment when dealing with matters and experience in continuous improvement and delivery of customer service.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills, self-motivated with ability to work with minimal supervision and ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace.
• Current valid unrestricted NSW Driver’s licence and a willingness to drive in metropolitan and country locations, travel intrastate and stay overnight or longer.

How to apply

Please CLICK HERE to download the application package for this position. Please submit the completed application package to Susan Gibbs, Tenant Services Manager at [email protected]

Applications for this position close at midnight, Friday 9 September 2022.