• Position:  Permanent, Full Time$
• Location: Preston
• Salary: Up to $119,871 plus superannuation and salary package options

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

The Program Manager will ensure Aboriginal children and young people receive high quality case management, advocacy, culturally grounded support and strengths-based practice with strong family mapping, work on identity and cultural connection.

The Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring responsive risk management and case planning including leaving/ post care support. This is a leadership role supporting teams and actively participating in client reviews and any other meetings related to the case management of young people including young people identified as high-risk youth. 

About You

• A strong commitment to and understanding of VACCA's values, vision, and purpose.
• Proven experience working with Aboriginal families and children, contributing to their wellbeing.
• A deep understanding of the history of colonisation and intergenerational trauma experienced by Aboriginal people, including current issues affecting communities and staff.
• Experience in managing out-of-home care services, with knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks.
• Expertise in complex case planning and management, specifically within Residential Care Services and Better Futures.
• Experience in leading and developing staff, including supervision, team building, professional development, and performance management.
• A therapeutic understanding of trauma and the role of culture in healing, with the ability to apply this perspective in supervision, program management, and development.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on ensuring the voices of young people are heard in case planning and advocacy.
• The ability to collaborate with professionals, stakeholders, and the community, and a commitment to the principles of Gamadji Balit in supporting young people.
• The Program Manager requires tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology, community services, or a related field, along with significant relevant experience or a combination of expertise and competence. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of leadership experience working with children and young people is required. (Mandatory)
• 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 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 connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on 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 current resume. We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to 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