Switchboard Victoria is based on the lands of the Kulin nations, always and forever the home of the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, Wathaurong, Taungurong and Djadjawurung peoples. We acknowledge that our work takes place on lands that are under colonial occupation and that Kulin Nation sovereignty was never ceded. We hope to pay our respects to Kulin Nation elders, past and present and wish to extend this respect to any and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. 

Switchboard Victoria is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies.

About Switchboard Victoria (Inc.) 

Switchboard Victoria is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies. 

Our current activities include: 

• Phone and web counselling and referral – Switchboard is the Victorian partner in the national QLife service. QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. 
• Community connections for older LGBTI+ people – Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing program works to tackle ageism and strengthen social inclusion and community connection for older LGBTI+* Victorians. The Out and About peer visiting program builds friendship and connection between LGBTI+ seniors living anywhere in Victoria through regular volunteer visits.  
• Rainbow Door - is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family. Rainbow Door supports people of all ages and identities with issues that may include suicidal thoughts, family, and intimate partner violence (including elder abuse), alcohol and other drugs, relationship issues, sexual assault, social isolation, mental health and wellbeing. 
• Suicide prevention - research and development of suicide prevention resources and programs for LGBTIQA+ communities. 
• QTIBPoC Programs - The QTIBPoC program aims to build connection and greater equity for Queer, Trans, Intersex and Bla(c)k, Indigenous and/or People of Colour and People of Faith. The program runs free events and workshops throughout the year led by and for QTIBPoC communities.
• Training Program – Switchboard delivers a range of training to the community and service sector organisations. Trainings offerings include LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Practice, How to Recognise and Respond to F/IPV, How to Talk About Suicide Safely, Everyday Racism in the Workplace and Peer Support Training. Staff are accredited to deliver LivingWorks programs ASIST and safeTALK.
• Rainbow Families - Connecting and supporting LGBTIQA+ parents, carers, and their families. Supporting services to develop and deliver rainbow family-inclusive better practice across Victoria.

Position Details

Organisation: Switchboard Victoria (Inc)

Employment Type: 0.8 EFT (30.4 hours per week), contract until June 30th 2025

Location: Flexible location: Working from home or office in St Kilda, Melbourne

Position Reports To: Suicide Prevention Team Leader

Direct Reports: None

Renumeration: Level 5, pay point 1, Social and Community Services Employee, as per Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award

This includes an additional 11.5% superannuation and the option of salary packaging

About the Role

The Lived Experience Network Facilitator is responsible for supporting the coordination of the National LGBTIQA+ Lived Experience of Suicide Network, run by Switchboard Victoria. This program aims to empower LGBTIQA+ individuals to become actively involved in suicide prevention initiatives by fostering a connected, supported and peer-led network of LGBTIQA+ individuals who identify with having lived and living experiences of suicide (thoughts of suicide, suicidal distress, survived a suicide attempted, bereaved by suicide and/or a carer for a loved one). Network participants can attend capacity building workshops on topics such as storytelling and advocacy, and they are invited to join group events that strengthen LGBTIQA+ peer connections and help collectively raise awareness about LGBTIQA+ lived and living experiences of suicide.

This role will require the successful candidate to:

• Work with the lived experience program team to run network participant recruitment, intake and implement ongoing participant engagement strategies
• Co-facilitate group workshops and program sessions to the lived experience network
• Conduct outreach and promotion that is informed by values and ethics aligned with anti-racist, intersectionality and lived experience frameworks
• Provide short-term 1:1 peer support to network participants to support their engagement in network activities and events, including check-ins and debriefing
• Contribute to and lead project-based activities such as the development of new lived experience resources, facilitate co-design sessions and support program evaluation
• Participate in reflective practice and contribute to the on-going development of LGBTIQA+ lived experience peer-work practice
• Contribute to strengthening inclusion of LGBTIQA+ people who identify as queer, trans, intersex and bla(c)k and/or people of colour in the lived experience network
• Work with government and stakeholder organisations to increase involvement of LGBTIQA+ people with lived experience in the rollout of mental health reform, service design and implementation
• Engage actively with the Switchboard Suicide Prevention team by attending team meetings and practice supervision, and collaborating with colleagues to continually improve excellence in LGBTIQA+ suicide prevention

The position will mainly work weekdays; however, occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

Switchboard Victoria is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and will consider all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin. Lived experience of suicide and community work, including volunteer work, will be highly valued in selection, along with professional skills, knowledge and training.

Switchboard especially welcomes and encourages applications from people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; trans, gender diverse or intersex; disabled; carers; those who live with HIV, are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), People of Colour or People of Faith and identify with having lived experience of suicide.

All Switchboard employees must be committed to Switchboard’s purpose, vision, values and principles, and to working collaboratively and respectfully.

Selection Criteria

1. Identify as LGBTIQA+ and have a lived experience of suicide with an understanding its impact on LGBTIQA+ people, communities, and wellbeing.
2. Proven ability to work collaboratively and implement values-driven community development initiatives.
3. Experience facilitating groups using peer or lived experience frameworks, or experience in similar delivery contexts such as training or education.
4. Experience in providing 1:1 support to individuals who are in distress.
5. A strong understanding of what it means to take an intersectional approach to every aspect of your work and the ability to apply an intersectional lens in practice.
6. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to deliver public presentations confidently and produce effective written communications.

How to Apply

Please complete our online Wufoo form via the "Apply Now" button below to apply with a resume, cover letter and document addressing the selection criteria above.

For further information, please contact Acting Suicide Prevention Manager, Anna M

Email: [email protected] using the subject line: Lived Experience Network Facilitator enquiry via EthicalJobs. Responses may take up to 72 hours.

Switchboard Victoria is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and will consider all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin.  Switchboard especially welcomes and encourages applications from people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; trans, gender diverse or intersex; disabled; carers; live with HIV, are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), People of Colour and/or People of Faith; identify with having lived experiences of suicide and mental ill-health.