• Position: Permanent - Full Time 
• Location: Preston VIC 3072
• Salary: $85,120 - $91,586 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

This position, funded by the North Metro Aboriginal Transition Support Service, supports Aboriginal individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The worker will assess the needs of community members and provide case management, which may include crisis resolution, life skills training, counselling, advocacy, and assistance in accessing long-term housing, employment, and training opportunities.

Support is available to Aboriginal singles, couples, families, Elders, women, and young people (16-25) facing homelessness or family violence, regardless of their current living arrangements, including those in rooming houses, transitional housing, or informal situations.

About You

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of and commitment to VACCA's values, along with the ability to champion these internally and externally. They will possess a deep appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and the key issues impacting Aboriginal communities, particularly with homelessness. The candidate should have demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal families and children, and an ability to engage with the community in a culturally respectful manner.

They should be capable of supporting community members with complex needs, advocating on their behalf, and handling case management tasks such as assessments, referrals, and planning. Additionally, the candidate should have a solid understanding of the housing sector, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with Aboriginal organisations, government departments, and community services.

Requirements: 

• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal Community.
• 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

• 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 

 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 prior to applying.

Please click here WSS Caseworker PD.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

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