Job description
Our story
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (also known as Foundation House) was founded in 1987 to advance the health, wellbeing and human rights of people of refugee background who have experienced torture or other traumatic events. We have worked with over 100,000 people from more than 70 different communities and are recognised as a national leader in the provision of trauma-informed and trauma-focused service delivery.
About the Network
The Victorian Refugee Health Network (VRHN) has the objective of bringing together health, community and settlement services to build their capacity to provide more accessible and appropriate health care for people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.
Your Impact
As the Project Officer, your role will be to support the implementation of the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Mental Health Coordination Project. This newly established initiative is aimed at enhancing the engagement of key agencies who work with Victorians from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds with Victoria’s mental health reforms and newly established initiatives and services.
The project’s primary activities will focus on raising awareness of the reform initiatives to the refugee health sector including settlement, health and community services and provide information on newly established hubs, local services and their referral pathways. This project will also help to highlight learning and development opportunities and identify best practice standards within mental health services for working with people from refugee backgrounds.
You will:
- Provide project management support and scheduling for sector coordination forums focusing on Victoria’s mental health reforms and newly established services.
- Liaise with VRHN members, internal and external and mental health sector representatives (across government and non-government agencies) to inform the content of forum presentations and support information/resource dissemination.
- Promote and/or amplify information, messaging and resources that are shared by members of the coordination group using the Network’s existing communication platforms including the website and monthly e-bulletin.
This is a 0.6 EFT, fixed term position until December 2025.
What you’ll need
To be successful, you will need to positively respond to the following selection criteria:
- High level organisational management skills
- Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing deadlines within tight timelines to achieve overall project objectives
- Good interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a range of people including refugee communities, peers, external stakeholders and government departments.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate with, and effectively manage dynamics across, various groups
- Understanding of the impact of refugee experiences, including torture and other trauma
- An understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues, available mental health services and the Victorian mental health service system reforms
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
In return
You’ll be rewarded with:
- an attractive remuneration package, $98,108 (gross per annum pro-rata) + superannuation + leave loading
- salary packaging benefits of up to $18,550
- novated car leasing options
- a role with true purpose to make a difference in people’s lives
- a welcoming, highly diverse and supportive team environment
- generous leave provisions with option to purchase additional leave
- access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members.
Foundation House is an inclusive employer
Foundation House is an equal opportunity employer; we foster a work environment that is inclusive and diverse. We are values driven and are committed to improving the life outcomes of refugees and asylum seekers.
Foundation House is a state-wide agency offering services throughout Victoria. We currently have approximately 250 staff across our five offices in Brunswick, Dallas, Dandenong, Ringwood and Sunshine, and we also provide services in partnership with other agencies in regional and rural Victoria.
Foundation House is a Child Safe organisation committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children. We actively play a part in combating family violence, as reflected in our organisational policies, protocols and staff development.
Read more about our history on our website here.
How to apply
Please upload your CV and a cover letter (maximum one to two pages) outlining why you are suitable for this role and how you meet the selection criteria as described above.
Please refer to the position description attached for detailed information about the role. For more information about our hiring process, please refer to our careers with us page here.
For enquiries, please contact Kristina Rienmueller, Sector Development and Policy Advisor VRHN, on 0457 900 184.
Hiring is subject to satisfactory Police Check, current Working with Children Check, and proof of the right to work and live in Australia.