Family violence doesn’t end with identifying risk. Real change happens when skilled professionals help keep adults using violence accountable while creating safer futures for children, families and communities. This is an opportunity to influence practice at a system level and help shape some of the most critical family violence responses across the Barwon region.

As the Adults Using Family Violence Practice Leader within The Orange Door Barwon, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening family violence practice across a multidisciplinary workforce. Working at the intersection of leadership, specialist practice and service improvement, you will provide expert guidance that supports safer outcomes for victim survivors, children and families while enhancing accountability for adults using family violence. Your expertise will help build workforce capability, strengthen collaborative responses and influence best-practice approaches across the service system, contributing directly to Meli’s purpose of supporting people and strengthening communities.

As an Adults Using Family Violence Practice Leader, you will:

- Lead specialist family violence practice that promotes safety, accountability and positive outcomes.
- Strengthen practitioner capability through coaching, consultation and evidence-informed guidance.
- Influence service improvement initiatives that enhance integrated and effective responses.
- Build strong partnerships across agencies to support coordinated support and risk management.

Position Details

- Full time, fixed term position until 10 January 2028
- 1 FTE working 38 hours per week
- $135,672 p/a + Super + Salary Packaging

What We’re Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

- Professional clinical experience and relevant qualification(s) in social work, psychology or a related discipline is essential. Additional qualifications/experience with adults using family violence is also essential.



Click below for more information about the Minimum Mandatory Qualifications: https://www.vic.gov.au/mandatory-minimum-qualifications-specialist-family-violence-practitioners
- Demonstrated experience in working with adults using family violence in a community and/or justice system setting.
- Demonstrated experience in leading family violence practice within complex service delivery contexts, particularly multi-disciplinary and multi-agency approaches to the provision of services to vulnerable children, families and diverse communities.
- A strong knowledge and understanding of the drivers/causes of family violence and child and family vulnerability, as well as the child and family services and/or broader social services sector and their fundamental practices and theories.
- Expert knowledge and experience working in specialist family violence social services management roles: has demonstrated experience in risk assessment and risk management; has demonstrated cross-sectoral expertise in relevant disciplines, including but not limited to a knowledge of the drivers/causes of family violence, child development, attachment and trauma theories; has deep understanding of the role of the law and legal system in the context of responding to family violence and vulnerable children and families.

Why Work with Us?

At Meli, we offer more than just a job—we provide a platform to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes:

- Supportive Culture: Join a values-driven organization that fosters collaboration and innovation.
- Career Growth: Access ongoing Learning & Development opportunities and clear pathways for progression.
- Financial Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging up to $15,900 per year,



enhancing your financial well-being.
- Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible ways of working.
- Employee Wellbeing: Participate in employee-led Inclusion Working Groups, access confidential counselling via our Employee Assistance Program, and enjoy paid parental leave above the government scheme.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and actively supports individuals from all walks of life.

How to Apply

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a résumé and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 25th October 2026.

For more information about the position please contact Jayne Paulka, Manager Access & Family Safety on 04•• ••• 087.

Join Our Commitment

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe setting. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or harm of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. All employment with Meli is subject to reference checks, a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check, VIT Check (where applicable) and a current Working with Children Check prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview. If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at ••••@meli.org.au to discuss how we can best support you.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to inspire change and make a lasting impact, click Apply Now and start your journey with Meli.

📌 Adults Using Family Violence Practice Leader (Geelong)
🏢 Meli
📍 Geelong