Work with us
As the peak body for specialist family violence services in Victoria, it’s an exciting time to join Safe and Equal as we continue to be an independent voice and an amplifier for our members and stakeholders to ensure we have a world-class specialist informed family violence system.
At Safe and Equal, we are:
- accountable, act ethically and have integrity.
- independent, expert and trusted.
- curious and courageous, we learn, and from this we create opportunities.
- creating our own future.
- striving for gender equity and a socially just world.
Intersectional feminism is at the foundation of who we are and how we work; it is the primary framework we use to deepen our understanding of the family violence evidence base, build coalitions and partnerships, and engage in critical reflection.
Our strategic priorities
Safe and Equal is a product of the action, leadership and expertise of the practitioners, victim survivors and leaders who have come before us. As we renew our commitment to change, we know that collaboration and partnership will be key to achieving our vision for a world beyond family and gender-based violence, where women, children and people from marginalised communities are safe, thriving and respected.
Our key priorities include:
- Developing Practice and supporting workforces
- Strengthening and connecting organisations, sectors and systems
- Building momentum for social change
- Building a strong peak organisation
For more information on our strategic priorities and history, read our Strategic plan 2021-2024.
Access and inclusion
We recognise the strength and value in a diverse workforce and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.
We value and expertise of people from diverse communities and acknowledge the importance of centring the voice of lived experience. We strongly encourage applicants who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse, young people, older people, women, people who have experienced family violence, and people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer or asexual.
We provide flexible work arrangements, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.
We are committed to access and inclusion and currently working towards achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation.
Staff benefits
Under the organisation’s EBA, Safe and Equal offers employees:
- Generous salary packaging (total of up to $18,550), as well as above award wages and conditions under the Enterprise Agreement
- Monthly RDO
- Individual annual Professional Development budget
- Leave benefits such as Christmas Shutdown Leave, Gender Affirmation leave, Family Violence Leave, Cultural and Ceremonial Leave, Compassionate Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Study Leave and Community Service Leave
- 13 days of paid personal/carer’s leave per annum
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible working arrangements
Additionally, staff working for Safe and Equal are eligible for the Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme. Portable long service means you accrue long service benefits for all your years in a single industry, rather than with a single employer. It’s ‘portable’ because it moves with you if you change employers but remain in the industry.
Volunteer and student placement positions
No current vacancies.
Current vacancies
Policy and Advocacy Advisor – apply before 28 April 2024
- Exciting opportunity to contribute to effecting systems-level change on behalf of the family violence sector and all people experiencing or at risk of family violence in Victoria.
- Be part of meaningful change and work for Victoria’s peak body for specialist family violence services
- Generous salary packaging (total of up to $18,550), as well as above award wages and conditions under the Enterprise Agreement
- Work for an organisation that is committed to access and inclusion and has achieved the Rainbow Tick Accreditationent
Annual Salary (pro rata): $106,947 ($54.1229 per hour)
Office Location: Carlton
About the Organisation
In 2021, Domestic Violence Victoria (DV Vic) and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) merged to become a new entity – Safe and Equal. Connecting strength, capacity, and resources for greater impact, Safe and Equal is the peak body for Victoria’s specialist family violence services supporting victim survivors.
At Safe and Equal, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation. We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply to work with us, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour and people from migrant and refuge communities, people of any age or gender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and/or queer (LGBTIQA+) people, people with lived experience of family violence, and people with disability. We also consider applicants regardless of contact with the justice system and experiences of criminalisation, consistent with our legal requirement.
We are committed to fostering a work environment where everybody can bring their whole self, belong and succeed, and we are a proud Equal Opportunity employer who do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. We celebrate and support difference and know that one size doesn’t fit all – we endeavour to be flexible, meet your needs, and support you at every stage of your contact with us.
Even if you think you do not fulfill all the requirements but still believe you are the right fit for the position, we encourage you to apply or contact us at katemecham@safeandequal.org.au.
Safe and Equal’s office is located in Carlton, with flexible and remote options available. We encourage applications from candidates based in rural and regional Victoria. We remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.
Safe and Equal offers employees a monthly RDO option, individual annual Professional Development budget, generous leave benefits including (but not limited to) Christmas Shutdown Leave, Gender Affirmation leave, Family Violence Leave and Cultural and Ceremonial Leave, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The Role
The Policy and Advocacy Advisor sits within the Policy Team, which is one of three teams within the Policy, Communications and Engagement Unit at Safe and Equal. The Policy and Advocacy Advisor works closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Safe and Equal Executive, to develop and deliver strategic and effective policy advice, messaging and advocacy activity with a view to effecting systems-level change on behalf of the family violence sector and all people experiencing or at risk of family violence.
Here are some examples of what you will achieve in the next 12 months as a Policy and Advocacy Advisor:
- Prepare submissions and responses to relevant consultation processes on behalf of Safe and Equal and the Victorian specialist family violence sector,
- Provide policy and advocacy advice to internal stakeholders and members,
- Develop and execute strategies designed to effect specific systemic changes in line with the Safe and Equal Strategic Plan and advocacy priorities,
- Engage with and consult the specialist family violence and prevention sectors, survivor advocates, and allied organisations and sector peaks to shape and inform Safe and Equal positioning and approaches
- Undertake desktop research and consultation to produce written briefings, position papers, reports and proposals on relevant and evolving issues
To be successful in this role, you must have:
- A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (for example, public policy, social science, law reform, community development) or commensurate experience
- At least 3 years’ experience working in policy, advocacy, or social change, within the public or community sector
- Experience working in the specialist family violence sector, or an understanding of family violence service delivery and of the drivers, dynamics and impacts of family and gender-based violence
- An in-depth understanding, of the ways that gender inequality intersects with other forms of inequality and oppression to limit people’s access to services, support, and safety
- Experience in and aptitude for engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders
- Sophisticated analytical skills, including the ability to source, synthesise and critically evaluate evidence and data from diverse sources
- Demonstrated experience in preparing high quality written communications
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Ability to flexibly manage workload and competing demands
For more information about the key responsibilities, pre-employment checks and salary expectations of the role, download the position description here.
Application
To apply, send a cover letter of no more than two pages describing how you meet the key selection criteria and a copy of your resume to recruitment@safeandequal.org.au.
If you have questions about this position contact Kate Mecham on katemecham@safeandequal.org.au
Applications close at 11.59pm, Sunday 28 April 2024.
Board Director – apply before 6 May 2024
Exciting opportunity to be a part of meaningful change by joining the Board of Safe and Equal, Victoria’s peak body for specialist family violence services.
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
In 2021, Domestic Violence Victoria (DV Vic) and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) merged to become a new entity – Safe and Equal. Connecting strength, capacity, and resources for greater impact, Safe and Equal is the peak body for Victoria’s specialist family violence services supporting victim survivors.
At Safe and Equal, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation. We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply to work with us, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour and people from migrant and refuge communities, people of any age or gender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and/or queer (LGBTIQA+) people, people with lived experience of family violence, and people with disability. We also consider applicants regardless of contact with the justice system and experiences of criminalisation, consistent with our legal requirement.
We are committed to fostering a work environment where everybody can bring their whole self, belong and succeed, and we are a proud Equal Opportunity employer who do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. We celebrate and support difference and know that one size doesn’t fit all – we endeavour to be flexible, meet your needs, and support you at every stage of your contact with us. We are committed to access and inclusion and have achieved the Rainbow Tick Accreditation.
Even if you think you do not fulfil all the requirements but still believe you are the right fit for the position, we encourage you to apply.
We encourage applications from candidates based in rural and regional Victoria. We remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.
THE ROLE
Safe and Equal is looking to appoint a non-elected Board member for a term of three years, with the intention for the Board member to take over the position of Treasurer due to the current Treasurer’s term ending November 2024.
To be successful in this role, you must have:
- A strong understanding of accounting and the laws and regulations that govern an organisation’s financial responsibilities.
- A strong understanding of financial management and risk management required of not-for-profit organisations.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and a personal commitment to the values of inclusion, integrity, equality, fairness, impartiality, and respect.
- An alignment with Safe and Equal’s organisational values, mission and purpose.
Previous high-level experience on a Board is also desirable, as well as a strong understanding of governance processes and protocols as well as a strong understanding of family violence and gender-based violence.
For more information about the key responsibilities and expectations of the role, please download the position description.
If you have questions about this position contact Board Chair Maria Dimopoulos on chair@safeandequal.org.au using the subject line: Board Director enquiry via Safe and Equal website.