about us

Better Place Australia has a vision of “An Australia where all people experience positive relationships, truly value each other and live safer, more fulfilling lives”. Our purpose is “To empower people to become more resilient and experience improved wellbeing to better determine their futures”.

Our organisational values are at the forefront of all interactions with our employees, our clients and our stakeholders.

We are:

• Creative
• Caring
• Welcoming
• Responsive; and
• Thriving

As a community focused ‘for-purpose’ organisation with an ever-growing range of psychological and community support services, Better Place Australia is taking a leadership role in the provision of high-quality, effective services for a wide range of community groups across 13 locations in Victoria.

This is an opportunity to join our expanding team of highly experienced and passionate people who want to make Australia a better place.

The Role

This is a Permanent Part-time (0.8 FTE) opportunity

The Policy & Advocacy Research Assistant will work within The Centre for Better Relationships (The Centre), being a research initiative by Better Place Australia. It's aim is to influence the research and policy landscape by generating quality assured research outputs and content that will be amply disseminated and enrich the debate.

Specific objectives of the role include:

• Assisting in building the organisation’s reputation as a thought leader
• Synthesising different information and data sources to inform a organisation point of view

• Respond to key sector reviews, consultations through submission writing support and critiques of systemic issues.
• Draft analyses of policy and legislative changes.

• Assist in the building of cases for the commissioning of pilots or research as a means of advocacy to decision makers.

The Policy and Advocacy component of the role includes:

• Conduct policy analysis of emerging Government reviews and initiatives
• Engage and consult with senior staff on emerging trends
• Draft policy analysis for the Executive Team.
• Prepare communications to inform staff of changes to key policy and legislation.
• Research and assist in the preparation of a range of written materials such as policy submissions.
• As required assist with the preparation of grant applications and conference presentations.
• Perform other policy and project duties as directed.
• Assist in preparation of documents relating to committee requirements.
• Assist with the organising and maintenance of a reference library for The Centre.

General administrative duties:

• Assist with general administrative functions pertaining to the research centre.
• Assist with the conduct of community consultations and engagement as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Experience/ Affinity/Knowledge of Australian aged, mental health, family law and human service systems.
• Demonstrated ability to access and interpret Federal and State Government policies and legislation.
• Demonstrated Professional writing skill for general and or professional audiences
• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills.
• High level organisational and prioritising skills across multiple projects to meet competing deadlines.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to changing work priorities.
• Preferred qualifications and/or suitable experience in social policy analysis.

Better Place Australia

Better Place Australia is a for purpose organisation, providing services for all members of the community regardless of religion, age, gender, sexuality, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances. We offer a workplace culture reflective of a vibrant, learning organisation where our people are highly engaged in their work and committed to making a difference.

At BPA, we all have a shared responsibility for supporting a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Our organisation is committed to child safety and we carry out police record, working with children and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people

Further Information

For further information and to access a copy of the position description, please see the attachment below or visit our website www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/careers/.

Our organisation is committed to child safety and satisfactory completion of a Working with Children Check and National Police Check are mandatory for the preferred candidate.

Whilst we appreciate the interest of all prospective candidates, please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.