Posted: 02/06/2026
Closing Date: 30/06/2026
Job Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Job Category: Community Services and Development,Executive & Strategic Management
THE ROLE
Safe Steps is looking for a new Director, Statewide Practice Excellence (Principal Practitioner), to join our team in either a full time or part time (0.8 FTE) capacity. This is a senior executive role reporting directly to the CEO. You will lead clinical governance, practice excellence, and sector influence across Safe Steps. This role combines strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and policy influence, ensuring Safe Steps delivers high-quality, evidence-informed responses to victim-survivors of family violence.
ABOUT US
Safe Steps is the only 24/7, family violence response centre in Victoria, providing a “state-wide entry point” for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. Services include information and referral, crisis response, specialist family violence risk assessment, safety planning, Webchat, and access to supported crisis accommodation.
Our vision is safety, support and respect for all victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
Our practice is trauma-informed and guided by evidence. We provide services to all victim-survivors and recognise that most of our work is dedicated to the needs of women and children which reflects the gendered nature of domestic and family violence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead organisation-wide practice excellence and clinical governance frameworks
- Provide expert advice to the CEO, Executive and Board on practice risks and strategy
- Oversee clinical supervision and support senior practitioners
- Drive continuous improvement through practice reviews and evidence-informed frameworks
- Influence sector reform and represent Safe Steps in key forums and partnerships
- Contribute to advocacy and policy development aligned with practice insights
- Strengthen organisational capability and embed reflective, trauma-informed practice
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
- Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or similar
- Extensive senior experience in family violence or related human services sectors
- Demonstrated expertise in clinical governance and evidence-based practice leadership
- Strong experience providing clinical supervision and specialist advice
- Proven ability to influence executive decision-making and lead strategic initiatives
- Deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and family violence frameworks
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including Board-level reporting
- Commitment to Safe Steps’ values of Integrity, Diversity, and Empowerment
- Current Working with Children Check and willingness to undergo a National Police Check
Desirable
- Experience in a state-wide or multi-site service environment
- Previous executive or senior leadership experience
- Experience influencing policy, advocacy or sector reform
- Advanced qualifications or training in clinical governance or supervision
- Established networks across the family violence or human services sector
- Experience representing organisations in external forums or government settings
WHY JOIN US?
- Executive-level influence in a leading statewide organisation
- Flexible working arrangements (0.8–1.0 FTE)
- Salary packaging benefits
- Opportunity to shape sector-leading practice and system reform
- Work in a values-driven organisation committed to safety, equity and inclusion
- Be part of Victoria’s only 24/7 statewide family violence response centre
- Contribute to a strong culture of safety, compliance and continuous improvement
INTERESTED? APPLY TODAY!
If this sounds like the role for you then submit your application.
Applications will be assessed as they are received and may close early once a suitable candidate is found.
Your application will NOT be considered unless you provide a cover letter and a Resume.
Safe Steps is an organisation committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace for all. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, those from diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, all ages, LGBTQIA+ people, and those with a diversity of experiences.
