The Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals from not-for-profit organisations for the delivery of a state-wide individual advocacy service in South Australia for vulnerable people with disability to ensure they are able to access and receive the supports required under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and in the community.

The Service Provider will provide the following outcomes to vulnerable people with disability under the NDIS:

• Assist them in understanding their rights
• Assistance in navigating the NDIS system
• Addressing gaps in support
• Address discrimination, conflict and unfair treatment
• Support clients to make informed decisions
• Build capacity to advocate for themselves
• Ensure their fundamental needs are being met
• Support clients through legal matters

At a minimum, the following outputs are required:

• Multiple intake pathways (e.g. telephone, email, web-form and in-person)
• A website/webpage that provides basic information and promotes the service
• A client participation/feedback mechanism
• Accessible information provision (e.g. accessible office spaces, interpreting services available etc.)
• Appropriate office spaces and access to regional venues for client meetings
• An appropriate client record-keeping database
• Staff with current knowledge relating to disability and the NDIS
• Represent clients in legal matters (e.g. in relation to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal)

Service Providers are invited to propose a service model that demonstrates an understanding of the client group, service requirements, outcomes and budget specified in this document, and may leverage other services provided to support cross referral pathways. The service should be able to respond sensitively to the specific needs of each client.

The geographic scope of this service is the whole of South Australia. The service must have capacity to offer services face-to-face and via remote delivery methodologies. It is not expected that face-to-face services will be offered in all locations.

It is expected that a sole provider will be awarded a contract for these services, over a period of two (2) years and seven (7) months, commencing in December 2020.

Respondents are required to submit a proposed budget for the service, reflecting the budget available. The per annum price for the service should not exceed the available budget. If a submitted budget does exceed the available budget, the evaluation team may at its absolute discretion, ask the Respondent to resubmit their budget or exclude the bid.