About the board

The JHREC is a multi-disciplinary committee auspiced by the Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department).

The JHREC undertakes robust and independent consideration of research applications put before it for ethical review according to its stated referral criteria. In particular, it the JHREC carries out ethical reviews of research or evaluation proposals that seek to access data held by the department or individuals under its care. In this way, the JHREC plays a pivotal role in protecting the welfare and rights of participants in research by ensuring that such research is conducted to appropriate ethical standards that protect the interests and vulnerabilities of research participants and foster transparent and accountable research.

Proposals considered by the JHREC include those from external researchers, internal evaluations and reviews, and research projects wishing to access data held by the National Coronial Information System. In considering each proposal, the JHREC applies the ethical standards set out in the National Health and Medical Research Council's National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (the National Statement, 2023).

The JHREC meets eight times a year, in a mix of online and in-person settings. In addition, members come together once a year for an annual planning day.

About the role

The pastoral care member joins a vibrant, multi-disciplinary JHREC.

The JHREC has a multi-disciplinary membership, led by the Chair and assisted by the Committee Secretariat.

Membership of the Committee conforms to the requirements of the National Statement and in addition to the Chair comprises members across a range of categories that include professional care, legal and research experience as well as community (lay) members and others.

The Pastoral Care Member vacancy will be filled by an individual who has specialist experience in a pastoral care role in a community such as – but not limited to – an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder or community leader, other community leader or an experienced provider of emotional, social or spiritual support.

The department embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, people with experience of the justice system and people living in rural and regional Victoria. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Who we're looking for

As our ideal candidate you will:

• Bring demonstrated expertise and current experience performing a pastoral care role in the community.
• Be familiar with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC, 2023) and other guidelines relevant to the review of specific research proposals
• Be able to commit to prepare for, and attend, eight Committee meetings per annum as well as an annual professional development day
• Understand the relevant risks and benefits of research proposals and be able to assess how well risks are addressed in any proposed mitigation measures
• Be able to determine whether a given research proposal meets the requirements of the National Statement
• Be willing to declare any potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, in respect of research proposals put before the JHREC
• Where unable to attend a meeting (and where practicable), communicate any opinions on agenda items so that these may be tabled at that meeting.

What you need to apply

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government agencies reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. Applications from people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, people with experience of the justice system and people living in rural and regional Victoria.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQA+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-appointment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you would like help understanding this document or would like to receive it in another format phone 9136 2100, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or the Secretary, Justice Human Research Ethics Committee at [email protected] using the subject line: Pastoral Care Member - Justice Human Research Ethics Committee enquiry via EthicalJobs.