• $140,000 - $154,000 per annum incl. Super
• Up to $15,900 salary packaging +$2,650 meals and entertainment

The lifeblood of Refuge Victoria is our incredible staff, who work in a supportive and passionate environment, making a real difference to lives of people escaping family violence – and we’re looking for a Director of Services to take us to the next level.

ABOUT US

Refuge Victoria is a not-for-profit Specialist Family Violence Organisation that provides refuge/crisis accommodation and support to women and children as they begin their journeys to a safer and happier future.

Refuge Victoria is the largest provider of refuge/ crisis accommodation in Victoria with three core and cluster refuges, 15 refuge properties and nomination rights to 35 Transitional Houses. We have been responding to family violence and changing people’s stories for over 40 years.

Refuge Victoria is committed to the principles of cultural safety and inclusion of all people from diverse backgrounds and to the safety and inclusion of those with a disability.

We support women and children experiencing homelessness from family violence, providing refuge and crisis accommodation, risk assessment and case management support and outreach case management support to clients in transitional properties and/or private rental.

THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced and driven woman who will be the next Director of Services to lead the strategic direction, development, policy and delivery of our services. The successful woman will be responsible for ensuring that our services meet the highest standards, are client-centred, and align with our organisation’s values and goals. This role will provide leadership to the services team, foster innovative approaches to service delivery, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

This role will drive the implementation and success of our practice framework and evaluation across our service delivery areas. Refuge Victoria will exercise the Equal Opportunity Exemption for our women’s only refuge services when hiring, therefore people who identify as female need only to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide both operational and strategic leadership for Refuge Victoria to align with the organisation's mission, goals, and practice frameworks. Providing evidence-based guidance to staff on professional standards and service delivery.
• Lead, mentor and support the services team, promoting collaboration, professional growth, and effective leadership, with direct oversight of Refuge Managers.
• Provide ongoing supervision to direct reports and promoting reflective and professional supervision across the organisation.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement across the organisation.
• Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including community organisations and government bodies.
• Manage the services budget to ensure efficient resource use and financial health.
• Monitor and develop service outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. Ensuring all programs and frameworks reflect best practices and are fit for purpose in line with Refuge Victoria's frameworks.
• Work effectively within the leadership team to elevate Refuge Victoria
• Lead the development and implementation of new program opportunities within the organisation and broader sector.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

The successful candidate will need to have the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or social science. Meet Recommendation 209 of the Family Violence Recommendations.
• A post graduate qualification in a management stream would be highly desirable.
• 4-7 years of leadership experience in service delivery, program management, or a similar role.
• A proven track record of strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements in the services sector.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A passion for intersectional feminist client-centred service delivery and continuous improvement supported by a thorough understanding of unique challenges faced by priority populations
• Experience in promoting inclusion, diversity and equity within organisations.
• Experience in leading people in outcome-based work and driving and sustaining positive culture.
• A results-driven mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience in specialist family violence organisations would be desirable.

WHY REFUGE VICTORIA?

Refuge Victoria staff can combine their qualifications and experience with their personal passions and values, in roles that change the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people.

This role also offers:

• Full time on-going position
• Above industry average total Remuneration Package negotiated at above award executive level including a Car Allowance and an additional10 days recreation leave
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Employee Assistance Program
• New modern Head Office with a supportive administration team
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities

The successful applicant must be able to satisfy all probity checks required as part of the role, including police check, WWCC, and references.

APPLY NOW

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a brief (2 page) cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

Applications will be assessed as they are received. We reserve the right to close the application period early if a suitable candidate is found.

Refuge Victoria is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, those from diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, all ages, LGBTQIA+ women, and those with a diversity of experiences to apply.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team – [email protected] using the subject line: Director of Services enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For a confidential discussion regarding the role, please call Janet Jukes, CEO on 03 9118 0490.