Team Leader - Family Violence Refuge

• Full Time | SCHADS Level 7 + Salary Packaging | Eastern Melbourne | ADO | On-Call Roster

About Refuge Victoria

Refuge Victoria is a leading not-for-profit specialist family violence organisation providing refuge and crisis accommodation to women and children escaping family violence. With a proud history of 50 years, we are Victoria’s largest provider of crisis accommodation, operating three core and cluster refuges, 15 refuge properties, and holding nomination rights to 35 transitional houses.

We are committed to a strengths-based approach that centres the voices of women and children. Our services are inclusive and culturally safe, and we are dedicated to continuous learning and improving outcomes for those who need us most.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Team Leader to join our dynamic Service Delivery team. Based at our East site, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations, leading a dedicated team of Support Workers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed case management services to women and children affected by family violence.

You will work closely with the Refuge Manager to support staff, manage complex referrals, and ensure operational excellence at our refuge sites. This role also includes holding a small caseload, contributing to on-call and afternoon shift rosters, and driving a culture of care, safety, and empowerment.

This position is open to women only, in line with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), Sections 12 and 28.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and supervise a team of Support Workers and other staff across the refuge.
• Manage client referrals and coordinate intakes, risk assessments and exits.
• Deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe, strengths-based case management services.
• Oversee day-to-day support worker refuge operations including rosters, site readiness, and safety protocols.
• Support with recruitment, induction and performance development of refuge staff.
• Ensure program compliance, incident reporting and continuous improvement activities.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with external agencies and services.
• Support the Refuge Manager in ensuring compliance with RV policies and procedures.

About You

You are a confident and capable leader with strong values, a deep understanding of the family violence sector, and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of clients and your team.

You will bring (key selection criteria):

• A Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent qualification (or eligibility under mandatory minimum qualification guidelines).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a relevant social service role.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervising teams and managing complex service delivery.
• Sound knowledge of family violence risk assessment (including MARAM), safety planning, case management, and client advocacy.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and services.
• A strong understanding of the intersectionality of disadvantage, with the ability to support people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

What’s on Offer

• Salary at SCHADS Level 7, plus 12% super and access to salary packaging.
• Ongoing, full-time role with Accrued Day Off (ADO) and on-call allowance.
• Friendly work environment with regular supervision and professional development.
• Comprehensive onboarding and reflective practice support.
• Opportunity to shape and contribute to a mission-driven organisation that values integrity, compassion, collaboration and empowerment.

Other Requirements

• Current Employee Working with Children Check and Police Check
• Full Victorian Driver’s Licence
• Compliance with Refuge Victoria’s Immunisation policy
• Commitment to Refuge Victoria’s values, child safety standards, and inclusion policies.

Join Us

At Refuge Victoria, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with a disability, and those with lived experience of family violence.

To apply, please submit:

A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria

Your resume outlining relevant experience

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Rachael Nelson, Director of People and Culture.