This newly created, part-time position is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified, and an exciting opportunity for an experienced policy manager passionate about reducing family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children. We are looking for someone to join our team and make a difference, with particular work to be done on Closing The Gap Target 13 and Recommendation 13 from the 2019 NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team report.

If you can bring a knowledge of family violence, experience in policy and advocacy as well as strong relationships and connections to Aboriginal-controlled organisations and workers in the DFV sector, this is an ideal role for you. In return, we will provide flexibility with days, hours and location to suit you, as well a supportive team and access to regular cultural supervision with an external mentor/supervisor of your choice.

The role will also provide the opportunity to mentor an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified Policy Officer (to be recruited).

As a peak body, DVNSW is responsible for driving systemic change across society and governments and supporting our members through advocacy and capacity building. With over 130 members, we work as a collaborative and passionate team to end gendered violence across the state. An important advocacy priority in the DVNSW 2021-2024 Strategic Plan is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to live safely and free from gendered violence. This position will help us with achieving that.

THE ROLE

The Senior Policy Officer (Aboriginal) will support the NSW Government’s implementation of Closing The Gap Recommendation 13, through supporting policy and practice development, and law reform by connecting specialist expertise in domestic and family violence to the NSW and Federal Governments. Additionally, the role will support Recommendation 13 from the 2019 NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team report to support the NSW Government, in partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations, to develop a framework to prevent and respond to violence in Aboriginal families and communities.

As a newly established role the responsibilities and work plan of the Senior Policy Officer will be flexible with capacity to evolve and respond to issues, demands and feedback from key stakeholders. Role responsibilities are anticipated to include the following:

• Establish a Community of Practice amongst Aboriginal workers in the DFV sector to reduce isolation, build capacity and connections and increase job retention.
• Provide intentional support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specialist DFV workforce, including face-to-face regional visits across NSW, where possible.
• Provide dedicated support for the DVNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s’ Steering committee.
• Recruit, manage, lead and mentor a Policy Officer (Aboriginal Identified).
• Act as a conduit of information between the specialist domestic and family violence sector and government.
• Support consultation undertaken by NSW Government and other stakeholders with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and specialists.
• Provide advice and information to various departments within the NSW Government, and Federal Government where appropriate, on DFV related issues.
• Support governments in the implementation of work to reduce and prevent DFV under the associated plans including the National Plan to reduce violence against women and their children and Closing the Gap Target 13.
• Support DVNSW to develop an Aboriginal cultural framework and hold DVNSW to account as we seek to work in a culturally informed manner.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

To be suitable for this role, you would need:

• Current or previous employment experience in the DFV sector and a detailed understanding of policy and practice issues.
• At least 5 years’ experience in roles that include project management and / or policy development.
• Tertiary education in a discipline relevant to social policy, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience establishing and managing relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including Government.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to plan and prioritise in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Proven ability to work remotely and work independently to achieve work plan.
• Capacity to undertake occasional travel across NSW to visit service providers.
• Skills and experience managing and/or mentoring junior staff.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A sense of humour.
• Skills using Microsoft Office including Microsoft Outlook.
• Flexible and adaptable to work outside of core hours.

OUR CULTURE AND BENEFITS 

In return for your skills and commitment, DVNSW offers you the opportunity to:

• Flexible role – approximately 22.5 hours per week, negotiable days, hours and location.
• Access regular cultural supervision with an external mentor/supervisor of your choice.
• Maximise your earnings with salary packaging available - SCHADS Level 7.1.
• Work for purpose as part of a collaborative, hardworking and high performing team.
• Enjoy a bright, open-plan, pet-friendly office just a short walk from Central or Redfern station with fully flexible hours and work from home options.

We are also committed to a positive, workplace culture:

• We care deeply about creating a workplace where our team members feel valued, respected and empowered.
• We are committed to providing equal opportunity regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or life stage.
• DVNSW offers access to Employee Support and Wellbeing Program(s), professional development and mentoring.
• We work hard to create a safe and inclusive environment for all, and most importantly, we're all about creating better experiences – for our members and for each other.
• We appreciate everybody’s contribution and in return offer attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay.

WHO ARE WE?

DVNSW is the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in New South Wales. We work to eliminate domestic and family violence through leadership of the specialist DFV sector and the NSW policy environment, promoting best practice in early identification, responses, and primary prevention.

https://www.dvnsw.org.au/

OUR VISION

Women, families and communities in NSW live free from violence, have equal rights, equal opportunities and the freedom to reach their potential.

To have a chat about this role please contact Kimme Shaw on [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer - Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander Identified enquiry via EthicalJobs or give us a call on 02 9698 9777.