Safer Community Advisor (TAFE)

About VU

At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impact‑driven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne’s west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model®, dual‑sector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a values‑led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

About the Team

The Safer Community function forms part of the Student Complaints and Integrity Office and provides specialist expertise in disclosure response, behavioural risk triage, early intervention, safety planning and referral pathways.

The team works closely with students, teaching areas, Colleges, Counselling and Wellbeing, Accessibility and Inclusion, Security, Legal Services, People and Culture and external agencies to support timely, coordinated and proportionate responses to safety and wellbeing concerns.

The team is trauma-informed, student-centred and committed to procedural fairness, privacy, respect and inclusion.

About the Role

The Safer Community Advisor (TAFE) is a student-facing role focused on supporting safe, respectful and inclusive experiences for TAFE students.

In this role, you will respond to disclosures and reports of inappropriate, concerning, disruptive or threatening behaviour, undertake preliminary risk assessments, contribute to safety planning and support students to understand their options. You will provide initial information, support, triage and referral, and facilitate warm handovers to appropriate internal or external services where specialist advice or intervention is required.

The role also has an outreach and early intervention focus, including engagement with TAFE students, teaching areas and student support services. You will contribute to case coordination, staff guidance, accurate documentation, reporting, service improvement and the continued development of Safer Community processes for the TAFE context.

Position Key Duties

• Receive and respond to disclosures and concerns in a trauma-informed, respectful and procedurally fair manner.
• Undertake preliminary risk assessments to identify immediacy, severity, escalation requirements and referral pathways.
• Provide initial information, support, triage and referral for TAFE students experiencing welfare, personal, pastoral, academic, financial, conflict, complaint, crisis or safety-related concerns.
• Facilitate referrals and warm handovers to appropriate internal or external specialist services.
• Develop and support safety and risk management plans where required.
• Work collaboratively with TAFE department managers, teaching staff, student support teams and external agencies to support coordinated responses to student needs.
• Provide advice, guidance and resources to staff on disclosures, concerning student behaviour, referral pathways, escalation and professional boundaries.
• Participate in student-facing activities, including orientation, induction, wellbeing and engagement activities that support connection, safety and help-seeking.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records in accordance with privacy and recordkeeping requirements.
• Analyse case activity, service demand, referral trends and emerging issues to inform reporting, prevention strategies and continuous improvement.

Position Details

• Classification: HEP Level 7
• Salary: $101,288 - $109,639 Plus 17% Superannuation
• Employment Type: Full Time, Ongoing
• Hours per Week: 36.75 hours
• Location: Footscray

For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Safer Community Advisor Position Description

About You

You will bring experience in student support, case management and behavioural risk, together with a strong commitment to trauma-informed, student-centred and culturally safe practice.

You will be confident working with sensitive and complex matters, able to exercise sound judgement, and comfortable operating in a role that requires both independent decision-making and close collaboration with others.

You will also bring

• Experience in intake, triage, case management, referral, documentation and follow-up.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice, including in matters involving sexual harm, gender-based violence, online abuse or harassment.
• The ability to support students or clients experiencing complex welfare, personal, academic, financial, conflict, complaint, crisis or safety-related concerns.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to work with teaching staff, specialist services and external agencies.
• An understanding of appropriate professional boundaries and the ability to identify when specialist advice, escalation or referral is required.
• An understanding of TAFE/VET student cohorts, diverse learners and the operational context of vocational education.
• Experience in tertiary education, TAFE/VET, Safer Community, student support, behavioural risk, counselling-adjacent services, community services or similar environments will be highly regarded.

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

Who to Contact?

For further information relating to the position, please contact

Name: Mariam Mgoter

Position Title: Safer Community Lead

Email: [email hidden]

How to Apply

To submit your application please click on the Apply button.

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising

• A cover letter
• Your curriculum vitae/resume
• Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description
• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration

• Applications will close 28th September 2026 at 11:59PM. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Why Join VU

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all—embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio‑economic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality , we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier‑free recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at [email hidden] or (03) 9919 5999.