Employee benefits

We know career satisfaction depends on more than just your salary, but you’ll be pleased to know that VPS salaries are some of the highest in Australia.

As a VPS employee, you will receive a competitive salary including 9.5 per cent in superannuation, plus additional benefits such as salary packaging and tax-deductible work-related items.

Salary packaging

Salary packaging allows ongoing employees and those on fixed term contracts to use pre-tax dollars for additional superannuation contributions, to access a novated lease vehicle for full private use, or for discounted private health insurance.

Superannuation

In addition to a 9.5 per cent superannuation contribution, you can also make direct employer contributions to any approved superannuation fund through salary packaging. Your superannuation can also be 'topped up' to a complying accumulation fund of your choice.

Deductible items

Other tax-effective, work-related and deductible items are available, including laptop computers, professional membership fees and home office expenses.

We offer an extensive range of leave entitlements to support our people to achieve a work-life balance.

We also understand that creating the right balance is different for everyone and can change over time depending on your circumstances.

That’s why we provide flexible working options as well as paid additional annual leave should you need to adjust your hours at any time during your career with us. If you are employed under the VPS Workplace Determination 2016, leave entitlements include:

• personal or carer’s leave
• annual leave
• purchased leave
• paid parental leave
• long service leave

We also provide generous special leave including:

• compassionate leave in the event of death or serious illness
• adoption leave
• defence force leave
• jury service leave
• cultural leave
• pre-natal leave
• leave for union training
• occupational health and safety training.

As well as leave to employees experiencing family violence to attend legal, health or financial appointments or court, and to support relocation, care for children, and other needs.

We provide a range of support services and resources to all employees and their immediate family to proactively manage and enhance their wellbeing.

Employee Wellbeing and Support program

Our Employee Wellbeing Program provides confidential support and resources to all employees and their immediate family to assist with:

• relationships
• work-life balance
• anxiety, stress and depression
• change, workload and career
• bereavement, grief and loss
• nutrition, sleep and health
• communication and conflict
• drug, alcohol and addictions
• legal and financial concerns
• family violence
• parenting and family.

These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The cost to access many of these services is free.

Support for parents

To balance your career and caring for children, additional support and employee benefits are provided for working parents and new parents, or individuals caring for dependants.

We have partnered with Grace Papers to empower parents and carers to lead personally and professionally fulfilling lives. The free online program provides step-by-step support and evidence-based strategies for whatever stage you’re at during pregnancy, parental leave and return to work.

Support for managers

We recognise our people managers have the greatest influence and impact on employee engagement, conduct and performance. That’s why we provide our people managers with tool kits, training, information and professional support to help them develop the skills, confidence and practices to guide and empower their teams to perform at their best.

Our managers and people leaders have unlimited access to free professional coaching and advice through our Employee Wellbeing and Support Program, to assist with people management issues and develop leadership competencies.

Peer Support Network

Our Peer Support Network provides informal and confidential support to all employees. Our volunteers can help employees affected by:

• bullying and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace
• family violence
• mental health concerns
• support for any other reason that may be causing concern or distress.

The network operates Monday to Friday during business hours.

If you regularly catch public transport to work, our Rail Commuter Club allows you to purchase a 365-day Myki pass at a discount via fortnightly salary deductions. This covers all metropolitan trains and trams plus buses in specified zones as well as V/Line country trains and buses.

We also offer:

• reimbursement for the cost of an eye test and prescription lenses if you perform screen-based work
• free flu vaccinations
• end-of-trip facilities if you ride or run into work.

Whether you are commencing your career as a graduate, transferring from another government department or agency, or entering from the private sector, our professional development opportunities will ensure you have every chance of achieving a rewarding career.

The Victorian Public Sector structure is built on merit-based appointment to grades, but also allows for individual career progression.

We are committed to providing training and development opportunities through our Professional Development Plans to help you develop skills that are transferable and meet your development objectives.

These opportunities could involve study for formal qualifications, involvement or attendance at conferences and seminars, or consideration for inclusion in emerging public sector leadership programs.

All professional development opportunities are designed by you, in collaboration with your manager.