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.

The project

This Project Officer position sits under a newly established project – Co-design of perinatal mental health screening approaches with multicultural communities, funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

The purpose of the project is to gather and report on insights from women from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to inform the development of new Victorian perinatal mental health screening guidelines, ensuring they:

• are culturally responsive and meet the needs and preferences of people from refugee and asylum seeker communities,
• respond to systemic barriers that prevent perinatal mental health screening of people from multicultural communities.

The role

The project officer will provide support in the implementation of the Project by establish a community advisory consultation group including scheduling and preparing the community consultation sessions, and identifying emerging issues, gaps and demands for perinatal mental health support for women from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

This is a part time (0.6 EFT) fixed term position.

What you’ll need

To be successful, you will need to positively respond to the following selection criteria:

• Demonstrated skills in facilitating groups with members from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• High level of organisational management skills and ability to prioritise tasks
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to manage productive stakeholder relationships
• Strong written skills, with the ability to write for different audiences
• Experience in conducting desk-based research and analysis
• Proficient computer skills – MS Office, Excel, design programs, web page / content management
• An understanding of the health and in particular women’s health, education and settlement services issues that impact people of refugee background.
• Demonstrated understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues facing people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

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. The Victorian Refugee Health Network is auspiced by Foundation House.

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 Foundation House’s history on our website here. Read more about the Victorian Refugee Health Network here.

How to Apply

Please click the "Apply Now" and 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 for detailed information about the role. For more information about our hiring process, please refer to our careers with us page here.

For any enquiries regarding the position, please contact Gavin Halge, Program Coordinator VRHN via [email protected] using the subject line: Project Officer - Perinatal Mental Health Project enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0456 626 823.

Hiring is subject to satisfactory Police Check, current Working with Children Check, and proof of the right to work and live in Australia.

A position description is attached.