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.

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.

Your impact

As an Early Years Support Officer, you will support program objectives of improving the wellbeing and educational outcomes for children and families from refugee backgrounds, by building the capacity of professionals and services to work effectively for and with individuals and families of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. You will be engaging with early years services as well as building and maintaining collaborative, place-based partnerships.

Key responsibilities

• Providing support to a cluster of early years services to facilitate increased and sustained inclusion of families from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds.
• Working within the established framework to facilitate positive change.
• Facilitating professional and informative learning sessions to those working in the early years sector to improve capacity of knowledge and skills.
• Developing professional learning resources in partnership with stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining positive informed and productive professional relationships within existing and newly developed networks
• Consulting with early years services to provide advice and advocacy for health promoting environments for children and families.

What you’ll need

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

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in education, early years, youth work, community development, social work, or related discipline.
• Understanding of issues facing children and families from refugee backgrounds.
• Understanding of the Victorian early years sector.
• Ability and confidence to influence and negotiate with key stakeholders.
• Experience in the development and delivery of professional learning both on-site and on-line.
• Computer skills and competence using presentation software, tools, and on-line learning platforms.

We have an ongoing full-time position available.

In return

You’ll be rewarded with:

• An attractive remuneration package, ranging between of $102,554 and 107,079 + Superannuation
• 17.5% Annual 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.
• Excellent training and professional development.
• 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 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

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 for detailed information about the role. For more information about our hiring process, please refer to our careers with us page here

Please note, applications will be considered as they are received.

For enquiries please contact Kelly Brand – Early Years Program Team Leader on 0482 664 747 or via [email protected] using the subject line: Early Years Support Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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