QDN has a range of part-time and full-time positions which become available from time to time. We are an equal opportunity employer.People with disability are at the centre of all the work that we do. We believe there is ‘nothing about us without us’ and we encourage people with disability to apply.

Jobs you can apply for

Policy and Engagement Officer

  • Full time (38 hours per week)
  • Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 – Social and Community Services Employee, Level 5
  • Brisbane - Spring Hill-based office, travel as required
  • View the position description here

Key Relationships and Reporting Structures

The Policy and Engagement Officer reports directly to the Policy Lead. This position works as part of a team where interdependencies and collaboration with col­leagues, QDN members and internal and external stakeholders are critical to the successful delivery of projects, services and activities.

Position Scope and Purpose

The Policy and Engagement Officer is responsible for assisting with engagement with people with disability, community and key stakeholders to gain information, build capacity and inform and undertake key systemic policy work. They are accountable for the delivery of work assignments and projects, recognising when matters need to be referred to management for resolution.

They will work to ensure the timely achievement of deliverables, within agreed budgets and performance levels. The position may require some travel.

The appointee will work within the requirements of relevant legislation including the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019, and QDN’s Quality System, demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and contribute to internal and external auditing processes as required under ISO9000.

Key responsibilities and Accountabilities

  1. Identify policy issues, undertake research, analysis and conceptualise solutions with regards to QDN’s policy and systemic advocacy work across disability and the disability reforms as well as a wide of issues relating to people living with disability, including housing, health, employment, transport, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Disability Royal Commission.
  2. Contribute to the planning and deliver engagement activities that build the capacity and leadership of people with disability to engage and have a voice within the policy context.
  3. Work effectively with relevant government, private and not-for-profit organisations represent the position and views of QDN to relevant internal and external stakeholders in a way that enhances the reputation of the organisation.
  4. Produce content for media statements, briefings, reports, submissions, presentations, newsletters, website content, publications, communication material and other sources of information.
  5. Undertake implementation of membership growth strategies to influence the growth and development of QDN membership, in line with organisational goals.
  6. Ability to work independently, exercising appropriate initiative and judgement to solve problems.
  7. Other duties as requested by the CEO or line manager.

About you 

  1. Demonstrated understanding of the policies, practices and guide-lines that inform contemporary disability practice at a state and national level.
  2. High level engagement skills to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders including people with disability to enable the leadership of people with disability to inform feedback, input and co-design of policy, research and advocacy activities.
  3. Demonstrated high level research, analysis and conceptualising of solutions to inform policy and legislation.
  4. Excellent organisational skills, with the flexibility to prioritise a range of competing demands and work to deadlines.
  5. Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to:
    • provide information and advice to a range of stakeholders including QDN members, supporters and allies, Government and Community stakeholders
    • effectively communicate information and ideas and work cooperatively with others
    • work as part of a team in a complex and changing environment, and ability to manage competing demands within limited timeframes.
  1. Ability to work autonomously, exercising appropriate initiative and judgement to solve problems, escalate where required and deliver on work requirements/expectations.
  2. Experience working with Microsoft 365 and other software applications.

About QDN

QDN is in its 20th year of making a difference to the lives of people with disability. We are a human right based, membership representative body of over 2,500 people with a disability and their supporters. Our vision is that people with disability are active and valued citizens of Queensland. Our mission is to empower people with disability to be fully included as citizens in the social and economic life of the community. Our motto is ‘Nothing about us, Without us’

QDN’s work is centred around a strong state-wide network of people with disability across Queensland, to inform, connect, lead, and influence change to deliver an inclusive Queensland community.

QDN exists to:

  • promote and maintain active, vibrant local networks that inform our work and build local capacity.
  • enhance the leadership and influencing capability of people with a disability.
  • let people know about the lives of people with disability and how to best engage with us.
  • influence governments and others to bring about full and equal participation, citizenship and protection of rights for all.
  • grow an independently sustainable, effective, accountable and rights-based organisation that reflects our vision, mission, values and principles.

QDN undertakes systemic advocacy and policy work, runs an industry consulting practice QDeNgage, and delivers funded projects, all aligned with QDN’s vision, mission, values and principles.

Remuneration and conditions

The position is based in Brisbane; however travel may be required.

QDN operates under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 and the position is paid as a Social and Community Services Employee, Level 5 for up to 38 hours per week

Pre-employment screening

The appointee must have the ability to gain a cleared National Police History Check and possess a current Queensland Driver’s Licence.

The appointee must ensure that they hold and keep current the required registration to perform in the role (e.g. yellow or blue card, AHPRA, driver’s licence) and advise QDN of any change in circumstances that may impact on the continuation of their registration or licence.

Key Job Requirements

Some screening and/or licences are required to fulfil the role as per the list below:

Positive Exemption Notice (Yellow Card)EssentialPolice CheckEssential  Evidence of up to date* vaccination against COVID-19 EssentialDrivers LicenceEssential

*As per latest definitions by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI), or who have a medical exemption based on ATAGI guidelines

How to apply

If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a dynamic team, apply now!

  • A letter of no more than 3 pages, that addresses your demonstrated suitability to the role by responding to What will you do in the role?
  • Your current CV

Please provide details to applications@qdn.org.au

Closing date: Monday 26 February at 5pm

A group of men and women in yellow Stand with us Campaign shirts taking a group selfie.

“The team at QDN are all very passionate and motivated to support their community and to work together for better outcomes for people with disability.”

QDN Staff Member

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