Switchboard (Victoria) Inc (“Switchboard Victoria”) is based on the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. 
 
We acknowledge that our work takes place on lands that are under colonial occupation and that sovereignty has never been ceded. We hope to pay our deepest respects to Boon Wurrung elders, past and present, and wish to extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People across this Country we know as Australia.

About Switchboard Victoria

Switchboard Victoria (Switchboard) 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. We are a registered family violence service and are commitment to delivering high quality services and programs to the LGBTIQA+ community.

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. This service is for LGBTIQA+ people and those with questions about LGBTIQA+ issues including families, friends, teachers and co-workers of LGBTIQA+ people.

• Community connections for older LGBTI+ people – Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing program aims to tackle ageism and strengthen social inclusion and community connection for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/gender diverse and intersex (LGBTI+) Victorians. The Out & About peer visiting program creates friendship and connection between LGBTI+ seniors living anywhere in Victoria and 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 during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. 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 – Switchboard’s Suicide Prevention program puts responding to the challenges of suicide at the core of Switchboard’s work. We work nationally to provide suicide prevention, intervention and postvention programs, with an emphasis on building community resilience through peer-led and lived experience activities. Switchboard is also active in research and the 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: Part-time – 12-month fixed-term contract
• 0.6 FTE (45.6 hours per fortnight)
• Some weekend work required to attend events and other activities.
• Classification & remuneration: Award: The position is under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010 at Level 5.
• Remuneration: The gross salary is subject to negotiation based on the candidate’s level of experience and expertise, plus superannuation and leave loading.
• Salary Sacrifice: Eligible for a tax benefit from salary sacrifice package, up to $15,899.
• Location: Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria, 3182
• Remote work as agreed with Manager
• Direct reports: Nil

Position overview

The Rainbow Families Coordinator is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of initiatives and events that support LGBTIQA+ parents, co-parents, carers, and their families. This position plays a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for Rainbow Families through community events, support groups, and advocacy efforts. The position will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including other various community organisations, to ensure that Rainbow Families are supported in all aspects of community life.

About the successful candidate

The successful candidate for the Rainbow Families Coordinator position will demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on creating supportive and welcoming environments for LGBTIQA+ families. They will possess excellent organisational and communication skills, enabling them to support multiple projects and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, partners, and government agencies. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in coordinating programs and events tailored to the needs of LGBTIQA+ communities, with a particular emphasis on Rainbow Families. This includes planning, organising, and delivering initiatives that are both inclusive and engaging.

A deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs faced by LGBTIQA+ families is essential, encompassing issues related to parenting, adoption, surrogacy, and peer support. The Rainbow Families Coordinator will be responsible for developing new resources for the Rainbow Families website and promoting sector engagement by promoting activities and moderating Rainbow Families social media platforms. The successful candidate will be skilled in community engagement, building strong relationships within the LGBTIQA+ community and fostering a sense of belonging and support. They should also possess facilitation skills, with experience leading committees or working groups and guiding discussions.

Additionally, the candidate will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces that respect and celebrate diversity. They will be adaptable, proactive, and capable of taking initiative in a dynamic environment, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation. A commitment to continuous learning and reflection is also crucial, ensuring the candidate stays informed about current issues and best practices related to LGBTIQA+ communities and family support. This role is pivotal in promoting the well-being and inclusion of Rainbow Families within the broader community, ensuring all members feel supported and valued.

Key responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Program coordination and resource development

• Develop and maintain the Rainbow Families website with current and emerging information and support opportunities for Rainbow Families
• Manage the Rainbow Families inbox and the various Rainbow Families community groups associated with Switchboard
• Co-develop community resources when required to respond to community needs
• Facilitate, schedule and coordinate information, sector invitation and Rainbow Families consultation opportunities
• Assist in the writing and development and of grants, partnerships and campaigns directly related to Rainbow Families
• Support in the compiling of Government and Board reporting across the Rainbow Families program
• Schedule, coordinate and manage the Rainbow Families Advisory Committee and Community of Practice, facilitating discussions to address strategies, challenges, and opportunities, and ensuring the committee's recommendations are integrated into the organisation’s programs and services.

Social media and sector engagement

• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to create, schedule and moderate social media content for/and respond to Rainbow Families online groups

• Work alongside graphic designer to produce social media content and campaigns directly related to Rainbow Families

• Maintain and build stakeholder relationships to help guide and support advocacy and program development opportunities

Events and community connection

• Collaborate with Switchboard Events Coordinator to support the planning and organising of Rainbow Families community events, including the annual Midsumma Rainbow Families event ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all attendees
• Work with community partners, volunteers, and sponsors to enhance Rainbow Families opportunities to ensure impact and reach
• Organise and plan Rainbow Families community information sessions, focusing on topics such as fertility, adoption, surrogacy, peer support, and parenting
• Engage with experts, facilitators, and community members to provide informative and supportive sessions
• Coordinate the Rainbow Dad's program in partnership with Rainbow Dads Victoria and Thorne Harbour Health, providing support and resources specifically for gay, bisexual, and trans men who are parents or prospective parents
• Develop and maintain partnerships to ensure the program's sustainability and growth

Advocacy and Inclusion

• Champion the inclusion and representation of Rainbow Families across all Switchboard services and programs
• Support policy and advocacy submissions where required with specialist knowledge of current challenges and needs facing Rainbow Families.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Identify as a member of the LGBTIQA+ community [Switchboard Victoria has an exemption under Equal Employment].
2. An understanding of the complex issues faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities, particularly challenges and support for Rainbow Families.
3. A strong understanding of what it means to take an anti-racist and intersectional approach to every aspect of your work.
4. Experience in developing and delivering programs or initiatives that work with families to support parenting, adoption, surrogacy, and/or peer support.
5. Proven experience in planning, organising, and executing community events, ideally within LGBTIQA+ contexts, ensuring inclusivity and engagement. Experience working with families and prospective parents, highly desirable
6. Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively to produce high-quality resources, such as fact sheets, reports, and presentations, with a strong focus on attention to detail and meeting deadlines project.
7. Highly developed interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, bothwritten and verbally, with people from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
8. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the values which underpin Switchboard, and a willingness to participate in an organisational culture of reflection and continuous learning.

Desirable

1. Tertiary qualification in social work, community development, public health, early childhood education, or other relevant area.
2. Demonstrated experience in leading committees or working groups, including the ability to facilitate discussions, build consensus, and implement recommendations.

To find out more and apply

Please make yourself familiar with Switchboard’s purpose and programs by visiting our website at www.switchboard.org.au.

Please carefully review the selection criteria for this position, which you should systematically address in your application (both essential and desirable criteria – 2 pages maximum).

NOTE: Applications that do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.

For information, please contact Anna Bernasochi, Acting Director of Services.

Email: [email protected] using the subject line: Rainbow Families Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.