• Position: Permanent - Full Time
• Location: Preston VIC 3072
• Salary: $85,886 - $94,589 based on level of experience, plus super

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

Reporting to the Team Leader and supported by senior staff, Case Managers will manage a diverse caseload of children under VACCA's care, while also conducting investigations into new child protection reports and assessing whether children require protection. Suppose a child is found to need protection. In that case, the Case Manager will work collaboratively with the child, their family, and the community to ensure their safety and well-being. Guided by VACCA’s cultural values, this role embraces a holistic, family-centred approach to restore and strengthen the circles of care at the heart of the Aboriginal way of protecting children. Through this important work, Case Managers will have the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of Aboriginal children and families during critical stages of the child protection journey.

About You

A strong understanding of VACCA's values and Aboriginal cultures is essential, along with leadership, effective communication, and culturally appropriate interpersonal skills. The role involves working with Aboriginal children and families who have experienced trauma, using therapeutic approaches to build resilience. A solid grasp of child development, trauma, relevant legislation, and policy is required, as well as experience in conducting investigations, making assessments, and preparing accurate reports. Collaboration with service providers and resilience in managing a fast-paced environment are key, with a focus on self-care and team support.

Requirements:

• A recognised Social Work degree or similar qualification focused on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics, and trauma, ideally with practical experience in counselling or casework. Alternatively, a Diploma in Community Services studied over two years with a similar focus.
•  Current COVID-19 vaccination (including booster dose, as applicable), a Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence.

What we can offer you

• 5 weeks of annual leave
• Access to child protection and VACCA training programs
• Extensive support and training from VACCA’s in-house legal service
• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction and regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities 
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program 
• 17.5% loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel 
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs 
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connections with the Aboriginal Community and culture

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply.

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and a current resume.

We encourage applicants to view the Position Description before applying.

A position description is attached.

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy.