• Position: Permanent - Full Time.
• Location: Preston, VIC 3072.
• Salary: $97,377 - $101,787 based on experience level, plus super.

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care 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 vulnerable community members.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

The Aboriginal Early Years Practitioner supports Family Services and BUABAH Bringing Up Aboriginal Babies At Home staff on Aboriginal Early Years topics and works directly with some families to enhance parenting skills, child safety, stability, and cultural connections. VACCA partners with the Queen Elizabeth Centre to provide specialised training and clinical supervision for this role. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Practitioner supports Aboriginal families referred to the AFPRR/Family Services Program. BUABAH, a key part of this program, assists families from 16 weeks of pregnancy to six months post-birth.

About You

The ideal candidate demonstrates a deep commitment to and understanding of VACCA's vision and values and works in a culturally respectful and competent manner with Aboriginal families and communities. They possess a strong grasp of the impacts of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, and other issues on Aboriginal families, particularly those involved with Child Protection. With expertise in pregnancy, birth, infancy, and early years, they effectively support staff working with these cohorts. Their experience includes working with families using a strengths-based approach, excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of an integrated team. They excel in developing trusting relationships, promoting family self-determination, collaborating with other organisations, and supporting staff through constructive feedback and case assistance.

• Qualification and experience in Early childhood development, Infant Mental Health, Nursing, Social work or other relevant training and qualification and demonstrated knowledge and experience is required.
• Requirements: 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's Licence.

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction.
• The support of regular internal supervision.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay.
• 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.
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available in this program.

Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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

We encourage applicants to view the attached Position Description before applying.

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 well-being 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 before the commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

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