Project Officer - Service Development and Innovation

The Service Development and Innovation team work collaboratively as a unit to prepare strong, competitive tender responses, develop innovative new service models that put Ruah at the forefront of best practice, and check in on our programs to make sure we are delivering consistently high quality services to the people we exist for - our service users. 

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

This role provides an exciting opportunity to drive growth and service innovation at Ruah. The Project Officer - Service Development and Innovation works across all of Ruah’s service areas (Family and Domestic Violence, Housing and Homelessness, Mental Health and Wellness, Legal services), supporting the development of new services and innovations, maximising our impact in the community. This work supports the sustainability of the organisation through facilitating grant and tender applications.

The role also contributes to Ruah’s growing portfolio of strategic projects and pilot programs, which aim to try, test, and learn new ways of working to support vulnerable people. This role requires a high level of initiative, advanced communication and writing skills, and the ability to work flexibly and proactively to support Ruah across a diverse range of service areas.

This is a full-time permanent position, with the flexibility to work from home 1-2 days per week (where our projects allow it).

What we’re looking for

The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, mission, core values and the guiding principles of the organisation.
• Advanced professional writing and editing skills, strong ability to capture a clear, concise message, edit, format and proof-read documentation.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diversity and social inclusion- including gender, sexuality, disability, cultural, age, and linguistic diversity and Aboriginal culture.
• Commitment to innovation in human services that provide quality supports for people experiencing challenging life circumstances such as homelessness, AOD use, family/domestic violence and mental health issues and an understanding of these issues.
• Strong interpersonal, networking and facilitation skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex issues facing people who experience chaotic life circumstances such as homelessness, AOD use, family/domestic violence and mental health issues.
• Ability to work autonomously and independently, using own initiative to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
• Advanced verbal communication and presentation skills, capacity to network with and coordinate a broad range of stakeholders including lived experience experts, operational teams, senior leadership, and sector partners.

The following criteria are considered desirable:

• Experience writing and preparing bids, grants and tender submissions, and/or reports for government and non- government funders.
• Experience in managing projects, including design, planning and implementation in the WA community services sector.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methods, including action research, developmental evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis, surveys and co-design techniques.
• Experience working with stakeholders and leaders within the community services sector.
• Experience working with people with lived experiences

What do we offer?

• A salary aligned with Level 4 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (and the SCHADS Award), starting at $88,372.
• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% annual leave loading.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service). 
• Free, independent and confidential access for you and your direct family to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15,900 core packaging
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