ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION

Flat Out is a dynamic and innovative advocacy and support service for women, trans, and gender-diverse people who have been criminalised through Victoria's criminal legal and prison system. We strive to provide high-quality, effective, and person-centred services and advocacy to everyone accessing our support.

The "heart and soul" of Flat Out are the people we work with every day—inside and out. They are the experts on what they need to live free from the criminal legal system. For all of our 36 years of operation, Flat Out has remained committed to listening closely to lived experience experts and following their lead.

At Flat Out, we are driven by a commitment to decarceration and social justice. We address the systemic injustices faced by women, trans, and gender-diverse communities, with particular attention to the disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Beyond providing direct support, Flat Out is dedicated to transforming how society views and treats those impacted by the criminal legal system through advocacy, research, and community education.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Outreach Support Worker, you’ll be working directly with women, trans, and gender-diverse individuals at risk of incarceration, currently incarcerated, or transitioning back into the community. This role exists to provide critical person-centred support, addressing housing needs, health (including mental health and substance use), family reunification, and legal advocacy.

You will be a key part of Flat Out’s mission by supporting people navigate complex systems, advocating with and for their rights, and ensuring they have the support they need. Your work will have a direct impact on women, trans and gender diverse people to get out and stay out of prison and advocating for a prison-free future.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for a passionate and driven worker with a strong commitment to social justice and decarceral practice. You should have a background in delivering support services to individuals impacted by criminalisation, homelessness, and systemic marginalisation. You will work across Outreach Support and Advocacy and Beyond Bricks and Bar team.

While we value relevant qualifications in social services (e.g., social work, community services), we are also keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of the criminal legal system, especially from the trans and gender diverse community.

You’ll bring a sound understanding of issues like substance use, mental health, and trauma, and be skilled in working alongside people experiencing complex challenges. You’ll be a strong advocate, ready to navigate complex systems and services, with a person-centred, intersectional approach.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

At Flat Out, we offer a range of benefits designed to support our team’s wellbeing and professional development. These include 5 weeks of annual leave (over award), flexible work hours, hybrid WFH-office location, professional development opportunities, and external supervision. Our team values collaboration and personal growth, and you’ll have the chance to work in a supportive, dynamic environment with a focus on continuous learning. Additionally, we offer salary packaging options and the opportunity to work on meaningful, systemic change through our advocacy and support programs.

Queries relating to the role can be emailed to the attention of Zakaria Shahruddin, Operations Manager, Flat Out via [email protected] using the subject line: Outreach Support & Advocacy Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.