Advocate Representative

Role Responsibilities

The Advocate Representative role is meant for a person who finds reward in connecting with a broad range of people, enjoys creative problem solving and wants to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
 
The Advocate Representative is a frontline position within the Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) that connects to Albertans and stakeholders over the phone, by email and in person to hear the concerns of the disability community.  The Advocate Representative will:

• Receive and analyze calls and correspondence to determine the most appropriate response and/or referral.
  • Provide information and referrals to queries, concerns, and complaints received by the Advocate to assist Albertans in navigating multiple service delivery systems.
• Support the completion of concerns resolution within the jurisdiction of the Advocate.
  • Be fair and objective when responding to Albertans, yet sensitive to emotionally charged and complex situations.
• Develop and deliver education and public awareness resources to advance an understanding of related legislation as appropriate, navigating the system, the interests and needs of Albertan with disabilities, and options within disability services.
• Advise on possible systemic issues, including research & analysis and report writing.
  
  

A portfolio of cases is managed by this position at any one time. The Advocate Representative follows up on inquiries under the jurisdiction of the Advocate including receiving inquiries, identifying issues, researching multiple pieces of data regarding the issue, developing a plan, completing action items and conducting following up.  This position has a strong emphasis on review and analysis of issues and liaison with Albertans and stakeholders throughout these processes.

Please click this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements for this role include: University degree in a related field, such as Social Work, Social Sciences, or Disability Studies, plus 2 years of related experience or diploma in a related field with 4 years of related experience.

Equivalency include: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; OR 
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education

Related experience includes:

• Experience in disability related service delivery in a complaint handling role
• Direct work experience with vulnerable populations
• Experience in conflict management to effectively resolve complaints
• Well-developed skills in MS Office, Internet, email and data entry systems
• Delivery of education, presentations or training

Assets for this role include: 

• Knowledge of ministry programs, policies, legislation and business plan goals
• Strong research skills to research policies and practices
• Report writing to support concerns resolution and informing systemic change
• Proven ability to manage difficult and emotionally charged situations

A valid class 5 operator’s license and access to a reliable vehicle or access to alternate transportation, as some travel is a requirement of this role.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is full-time temporary role until Aug 30, 2026, working 36.25 hours a week.

A cover letter is required. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.