Switchboard Victoria's logo

Out and About Program Manager

Switchboard Victoria
  • 0.8 EFT
  • Melbourne CBD (During the COVID-19 restrictions, staff will be required to work from home as per government directions. Switchboard will also be relocating to the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda in early 2021.)
  • Social and Community Services Employee, Level 7 Pay Point 1 to 3 based on qualifications and experience to be confirmed as per the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010. Tax benefit available from salary sacrifice, package of up to $15,899.

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.

Out & About

Out & About is a free program of Switchboard Victoria especially for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) people. We aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness through creating peer friendships and community connections. Out & About facilitates friendship between LGBTI seniors and peer volunteer visitors. Our experienced staff match participants and volunteers based on shared interests and hobbies, and support both people to stay engaged and connected over time. Our service can be used by LGBTI seniors anywhere in Victoria.

Out & About is Victoria’s only LGBTI specific CVS service and is funded by the national Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) and the RACV Community Foundation, in addition to other private donations.

Position overview

The Switchboard Out and About Program Manager plays a leadership role in the organisation and in improving the mental health and wellbeing of older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex people in Victoria (and younger people with disabilities living in aged care). 

Internally, the position works closely with other program areas to increase capacity to better support senior LGBTI people across all our service areas and to ensure that the views, needs and voices are always shared and heard in the work we do. Externally, the position works with various LGBTI and mainstream services as well as government departments. An important part of the role is to advocate that the safety, rights and unique issues and needs experienced by LGBTI seniors are considered, respected and acted upon whether that is in service delivery, government policy, research or in planning community events and initiatives.

The Out & About Program Manager leads a small team (currently 3 part time staff). The team recruits and trains peer volunteer visitors and supports them to create positive friendships and connections with participants. The role also works to promote the program to potential participants living in the community and in care facilities, and to potential referrers such as aged care facilities, specialist disability services, local government, and community support organisations.

The role involves occasional travel across Victoria to meet with service users and volunteers, and

occasional work outside of regular office hours.

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. Applicant must identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, Intersex, asexual communities (LGBTIQA+) [Switchboard Victoria has an exemption under Equal Employment];
  2. Demonstrated experience leading a positive and engaged team, developing best practice systems, procedures and resilient working culture.
  3. An understanding of the barriers that LGBTI individuals may face in engaging with LGBTI communities or organisations.
  4. An understanding of the complex needs of socially isolated LGBTI seniors.
  5. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the values which underpin Switchboard and willing to participate in an organisational culture of reflection and continuous learning.
  6. Highly developed interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with people from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
  7. Tertiary qualification in social work, health promotion, gender studies, community development, or other area of relevance.
  8. Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
  9. A current Australian drivers’ licence (or equivalent) and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

  1. Experience working in, or closely with community organisations and/or government departments.
  2. Experience working in aged care or with seniors.
  3. Demonstrated experience managing and/or supporting volunteers.
  4. Experience in training volunteers and/or paid staff.
  5. Experience in managing social media, newsletters or other communication streams in a professional or community setting.

Contact

For information please contact Joe Ball, Switchboard CEO:

Phone: 03 9663 2474
Email: [email protected], using the subject line: Out and About Program Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

How to apply

This job ad has now expired, and applications are no longer being accepted.

Email me more jobs like this.

Daily