• Position: Permanent - Full Time
• Location: Preston VIC 3027
• Salary: $97,385 - $109,829 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

The Senior Case Manager, reporting to the Team Leader, will manage a caseload of children under VACCA’s care and lead investigations into new child protection reports. They will assess and recommend if a child requires protection and work closely with children, families, and the community to ensure safety and well-being. Guided by cultural values, the role aims to restore the circles of care central to Aboriginal child protection. The Senior Case Manager will support the team, handle complex cases, and perform higher duties, making a meaningful impact on Aboriginal children and families.

About You

The candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to VACCA’s values and take a leadership role in promoting them both internally and externally. They should have an in-depth understanding of Aboriginal cultures, key issues affecting these communities, and a commitment to continuous learning. The candidate must possess effective communication and negotiation skills with Aboriginal children and families, using culturally appropriate approaches.

Experience working with children and families impacted by trauma, understanding child development, attachment, and trauma, along with knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and investigative techniques, is essential. Strong collaboration and report-writing skills are also required.

Requirements:

• Mandatory qualifications include a recognised Social Work degree or similar, focusing on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics, and trauma, with practical components like counselling or casework. Alternatively, a Diploma of Community Services with supervised fieldwork and case management or counselling units is acceptable.
• Candidates who don’t meet these criteria but can demonstrate relevant knowledge are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in the child, youth, and family sector is desirable, and Aboriginal applicants are encouraged to apply.
•  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 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.