Case Manager (Veterans Advocate)

Case Manager (Advocate)

Support Australian Veterans and Make a Real Difference

Are you passionate about advocacy and supporting those who have served our country? AVAC Services is seeking a dedicated Case Manager (Advocate) to assist Australian veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force in achieving fair outcomes for their claims. This full-time role will commence in late January to early February 2025 and offers a unique opportunity to work in a meaningful and rewarding environment.

About the Role:
As a Case Manager, you will provide professional representation and advocacy for veterans and serving members of the ADF. Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and representing liability and compensation claims.
• Assisting with income support claims, household services claims, and other benefits.
• Liaising with stakeholders to ensure veterans’ needs are addressed and supported.
• Supporting veterans throughout the claims process with professionalism and compassion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and prepare evidence to support claims, ensuring alignment with relevant legislation.
• Represent veterans in claims related to liability, compensation, income support, and household services.
• Advocate effectively for clients, ensuring their best interests are prioritized.
• Maintain accurate and detailed case records in our CRM system.
• Conduct periodic case reviews to ensure claims are progressing efficiently.
• Communicate professionally and empathetically with veterans, their families, and stakeholders.

About You:
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Committed: Passionate about supporting veterans and serving members of the ADF.
• Resilient: Able to manage exposure to potentially traumatic material with emotional maturity.
• Organised: Highly skilled in time management and record-keeping.
• Adaptable: Able to navigate a dynamic environment and changing priorities.
• Knowledgeable: Familiarity with legislation such as MRCA, DRCA, and VEA is an advantage.

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive and client-focused approach.
• High attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• Empathy and professionalism in dealing with sensitive matters.
• Experience in advocacy, claims management, or a related field is desirable.

Why Join AVAC Services?

• Be part of a team dedicated to improving veterans' wellbeing.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

How to Apply:
To apply, please provide the following:

• Your Resume.
• A Cover Letter detailing your relevant experience.
• A Video Application.
• A Written Contention

In your video, please:

• Introduce yourself and explain why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

In your written contention, please:

• Contend as to why osteoarthritis of the knee may be related to service in the Australian Army.

A contention is a formal written statement that explains the connection (nexus) between a condition and a person’s military service, providing clear and factual reasoning to support a claim. It should address the nature of the condition, the specific duties or events during service that contributed to it, and how those duties or events caused or worsened the condition.

Tips: Use clear and concise language, provide examples from service to support the connection, and avoid emotional language, focusing instead on factual, evidence-based reasoning. Be sure to include details about the physical or psychological demands of service that relate directly to the condition.

Army Duties:

• Carrying Heavy Loads: Regularly carrying heavy packs, equipment, and supplies, often exceeding 20-40 kilograms, places significant strain on the knees, especially during prolonged marches or operational deployments.
• Navigating Rough Terrain: Walking or running on uneven surfaces, steep inclines, or rocky ground during training exercises or field operations increases joint impact and stress on the knees.
• Physical Training: Repetitive high-impact activities such as running, jumping, and obstacle course training are common in the Army and can accelerate wear and tear on the knee joints.
• Kneeling and Crawling: Frequently kneeling, crouching, or crawling during tactical drills or field exercises puts pressure on the knee joints, leading to cumulative damage over time.
• Fire and Manoeuvre Drills: The physical demands of getting into and out of firing positions, such as kneeling or squatting repeatedly under load, place strain on the knees.
• Parade and Drill Activities: Prolonged standing, marching, and abrupt changes in movement during parade practice and drills can cause repetitive stress on the knee joints.
• Carrying and Setting Up Heavy Equipment: Tasks like setting up heavy weaponry, communication devices, or shelters require lifting, squatting, and moving with weight, increasing knee joint strain.

Example:

It is contended that the claimant’s osteoarthritis of the shoulder developed as a result of their service in the Australian Army. Throughout their time in service, the claimant was regularly required to lift and carry heavy objects using their upper body as part of their duties. On average, these activities totalled over 100 hours per month, placing repeated strain on their upper body.

The claimant’s tasks often involved carrying equipment, supplies, and other items over long distances, including uneven terrain, and sometimes in challenging weather conditions. These physical demands were a normal part of their role and were performed with limited opportunities for rest or recovery. Over time, the repetitive strain caused by these activities likely led to wear and tear on their joints, particularly in shoulder region.

The claimant began to notice joint pain and stiffness during their service, which has since worsened. Based on the nature of their military duties and the physical strain they endured, it is believed that their osteoarthritis of the shoulder is directly connected to their time in the Army.

Why Work With Us?

• Be part of a team dedicated to supporting Australian veterans.
• Enjoy flexible, family-friendly hours.
• Contribute meaningfully in a supportive and professional environment.

How to Apply?

To apply for this position, please follow the instructions below carefully:

• Record a video and attach it to your email.
• Include your resume, cover letter, and a written contention as part of your application.
• Email all these documents and your video to hr@avac-services.com.

Applications that do not include all required components will not be considered, so please ensure your submission is complete.

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing how your skills, experience, and passion align with our mission. Apply today!

Regards,

AVAC Services HR Team!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36 per week

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Overtime

Supplementary Pay:

• Commission

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 04/02/2025