We are seeking a Family Violence Practice Lead to guide and strengthen our family violence practice . Our primary focus is working with adult users of family violence exiting the justice system, and we also support people at risk of family violence. This newly established position requires a practitioner who is committed to respectful accountability, positive collaboration, long-term change, and trauma-informed, culturally safe approaches.

This is a leadership position with direct influence on the safety, quality, and ethical integrity of our service delivery.

Position Snapshot

Salary range - $110,102.72 - $114,983.44 Level 6 SCHADS Award 2010 + Superannuation (pay point dependent on qualifications and experience)

Full time (1.0 FTE) ongoing position – working Monday to Friday however, we have hybrid arrangements with two days in the office (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

The position is based in Melbourne CBD and may require regional travel

Generous not-for-profit salary packaging and annual leave loading is available

Position overview

As the Family Violence Practice Lead, you will play a key role in strengthening our organisation’s capacity to recognise and respond to family violence—particularly when working with adult users of violence.

You will work closely with the management team to embed family violence-informed practice across our services, ensuring that all participant support is grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred, and culturally safe approaches, and informed by the MARAM Framework. This will include coaching and supporting frontline staff in day-to-day practice, responding to information sharing requests, and providing timely, evidence-informed secondary consultations, especially in complex or high-risk cases.

You will also help develop and refine our programs to better reflect the needs of participants and communities, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders—particularly specialist family violence services—to improve referral pathways and integrated responses.

Your role will involve maintaining high standards of data integrity and compliance, collaborating closely with your Vacro colleagues, and participating in professional supervision, reflective practice, and training opportunities that deepen your understanding of the intersection between family violence and the criminal justice system.

About Vacro

Vacro is an independent non-profit organisation working with people caught in the criminal justice system and their families. Founded in 1872, we are Victoria’s oldest and only specialised criminal justice reintegration service. We provide reintegration, family, and employment support that enables people to create new beginnings for themselves and their families.

We value the expertise of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Because of the work we do, we especially value the expertise of First Nations people, people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and people of diverse cultural backgrounds and identities. We also welcome applications from people with a criminal record. We do not discriminate based on a person’s criminal record, however in some circumstances, contractual or legislative obligations may limit a person’s eligibility for certain roles. We are happy to have a confidential discussion about how these requirements may affect a candidate.

Many members of our workforce bring invaluable lived experience that enriches our teams with authenticity and diverse insights. These individuals not only possess professional skills, but also a profound understanding of the challenges and complexities that arise from their personal journeys. Their unique perspectives cultivate empathy and spark innovation, enabling us to develop solutions that are not only practical but also meaningful. At Vacro, you’ll be part of a culture that champions inclusivity and values every voice, empowering you to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

The opportunity

This is a rewarding opportunity to take on a leadership role that supports frontline practice and contributes to better outcomes for people impacted by family violence. You'll provide expert guidance, secondary consultations, and mentorship to help build staff confidence in risk assessment, safety planning, and use of the MARAM framework.

You’ll promote a trauma-informed, culturally safe, person-centred approach, while helping to shape programs that respond to the evolving needs of participants and communities. Working closely with specialist services and sector partners, you’ll strengthen referral pathways and foster collaborative, coordinated responses.

We’re also committed to supporting your development through regular supervision, reflective practice, and targeted training in family violence and justice system reintegration. You’ll contribute to service quality through accurate reporting, ethical practice, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Key selection criteria

We’re looking for someone with a strong foundation in family violence practice—particularly working with men who use violence—and a passion for driving meaningful change. You’ll bring:

Relevant qualifications (or a pathway toward meeting the Mandatory Minimum Qualifications for Specialist Family Violence Practitioners – learn more here)

Experience applying the MARAM Framework and supporting risk assessment and safety planning.

A deep understanding of the justice system and the unique needs of people leaving custody.

Strong coaching and reflective practice skills, with a collaborative, inclusive approach.

A commitment to gender equity and long-term behaviour change.

For a full list of key selection criteria, please see the position description.

What we offer

Vacro is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to staff wellbeing. We provide extensive on-boarding training and ongoing professional development for staff, amongst other benefits.

How to apply

To apply, or for any enquiries regarding the role, kindly email us at [email protected] using the subject line: Family Violence Practice Lead

In your application, please include your resume (and or CV), and a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria in the position description.

To view the position description, please visit our website https://www.vacro.org.au/work-at-vacro

Please email your application to [email protected] by 5:00pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Vacro has a rigorous recruitment process. Some roles at Vacro require applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment and this may include psychometric testing, and other screening checks.

We especially value the expertise of First Nations people, people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and people of diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or cultural adjustments during the recruitment process, please email Sarah Charles, Learning Development and Wellbeing Manager at [email protected] as part of your application.