• Full time maximum term position up to 30 June 2027
• Salary range: $89,029 - $104,924 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

Join a unique and innovative service supporting clients involved in the child protection system.

VLA's Independent Family Advocacy and Support (IFAS) provides non-legal advocacy to parents involved in the early (pre-court) stages of child protection. IFAS has a particular focus on supporting First Nations families, parents with an intellectual disability, families from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, unborn reports and parents with a childhood history of child protection involvement

We are seeking committed and client-focused advocates to join our growing IFAS team as we expand the service to new areas. In his role, you will provide high quality non-legal advocacy services to parents, including the provision of information about child protection decision-making processes; supporting clients to understand their rights and self-advocate; making referrals to legal and non-legal services; and assisting clients through direct advocacy with Child Protection and other relevant agencies.

You will work closely with other Advocates, Senior Advocates, the IFAS Manager and the Lived Experience Consultant, as well as legal and other colleagues in VLA. You will also maintain strong referral relationships with agencies in the child and family services system, including through outreach and co-location. 

This role is based at our Bendigo office on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Why relocate to Bendigo?

Bendigo is located on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples and is famous for its heritage attractions and thriving local culture of art, food, wine and music, all while being only about two hours from Melbourne by car or V/Line train.

Enjoy excellent work life balance and relaxed, affordable living without the noise and traffic- this regional city has all the benefits and amenities of city living, situated in a beautiful regional setting, near other vibrant regional towns such as Kyneton, Castlemaine and Daylesford.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Experience in advocacy, social work or community development with clients in the child protection, community services or justice systems. 
• Knowledge of the child protection system, child and family services and relevant legal and policy frameworks.
• Experience working with First Nations families, adults with intellectual disabilities, and/or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, particularly within the child protection system. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build rapport with clients quickly.
• Post-secondary qualification (certificate, diploma or degree) in a relevant field such as social work, human services or community development.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA

We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave benefits, including:
  • Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
  • Paid gender affirmation leave
  • Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
• Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
• Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply

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

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.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Shirley Gregory, Senior Advocate - Independent Family Advocacy and Support on (03) 9093 3760 or [email protected] using the subject line: Advocate - Independent Family Advocacy and Support - Bendigo enquiry via EthicalJobs.

No agency applications will be accepted. 

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

A position description is attached.