VACCA seeks a qualified social worker for a fixed term maternity leave role in Preston, Victoria. You will manage referral intake, complete assessments and respond to immediate needs of Aboriginal clients through the Orange Door Hub, providing short term support and referrals as needed.

The role requires understanding of Family Violence and Child Protection sectors, experience with intake procedures, and the ability to prepare accurate reports promptly.

VACCA seeks a Nugel Team Leader to supervise a team of Case Managers delivering culturally responsive care to Aboriginal children and families in Victoria. The role supports the Nugel Practice Approach, centering culture and trauma-informed practice to achieve safer, healthier outcomes.

The position emphasizes leadership, supervision, and collaboration with government and partners, with potential to carry a small caseload and contribute to staff development.

VACCA in Dandenong is seeking a Senior Case Manager to support children, young people and carers by handling complex cases and ensuring positive outcomes. You will mentor staff, contribute to audits and strengthen Out of Home Care through collaboration and leadership.

Applicants should have trauma-informed practice, a cultural safety approach, and strong risk assessment skills, with experience in child, youth and family welfare.

• Position : Multiple ongoing full time (commencing from 5th October onwards)
• Location : Chirnside Park
• Salary : Between $122,458 to $129,227 (based on qualifications and experience) plus super 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

Reporting to the Nugel Senior Program Manager, the Nugel Team Leader, will play a key leadership role in working with Aboriginal children and families, and Government and sector partners to strive for better outcomes for children and to build the capacity of families so that children can remain at home safely, or can be transitioned home.

Nugel implements Section 18 of the Child Youth and Families Act (CYFA) which transfers responsibility for decision making and direct work with Aboriginal children and their families from Department of Families Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection to VACCA. Key to transforming the way child protection is delivered, is implementing Nugel's unique practice approach which is based on Cultural Therapeutic Ways; a whole of agency approach that places culture at the centre and integrates this with theories of self-determination and trauma. The Team Leader is central to ensuring that this approach is delivered by staff they manage.

The Team Leader will provide supervision and leadership to a team of Case Managers, ensuring that all practice requirements are met. This includes investigation, assessment and action needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in the program, in addition to developing case plans that meet the long-term needs of the child. Always ensuring staff practice in culturally safe ways in line with the Nugel Practice Approach and VACCA's Cultural Therapeutic Ways. In addition, they may be required to carry a small caseload.

About You 1. Commitment to VACCA's Vision and Cultural Values

• Demonstrates strong alignment with VACCA's values and purpose, with the capacity to lead and advocate for these both internally and externally.

2. Cultural Competence and Knowledge of Aboriginal Communities

• Displays deep understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultures, with a commitment to ongoing learning and awareness of key issues affecting Aboriginal communities.

3. Child Protection and Investigative Leadership

• Skilled in overseeing harm investigations, interviewing involved parties, managing children on protection orders, and supporting staff in court-related work, including report preparation and testimony.
• Understanding of the legislations, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities.

4. Complex Case Management and Therapeutic Leadership

• Leads complex casework involving trauma-affected children, using culturally safe and therapeutic approaches to support healing and building resilience.

5. Mentoring and Child Development Expertise

• Capable of guiding and mentoring staff in understanding child development, trauma, and attachment, especially in the context of Aboriginal children.

6. Professional Communication and Record-Keeping

• High-level written, computer, and administrative skills, with the ability to prepare, review, and maintain accurate reports and client records.

7. Team Leadership, Mentoring, and Resilience

• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, self-care, flexibility in work hours (including on-call), and encourages a culture of learning and professional growth.
• Demonstrates strong teamwork in high-pressure environments, mentors' staff, and team wellbeing

Requirements

A recognised Social Work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree, valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children's Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and aVictorian Driver Licence.Current COVID-19 vaccination(Strongly Recommended).

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 connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply Application closes by 5 September 2026

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.

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) invites applications for a Nugel Team Leader role in Chirnside Park. You will supervise a team of Case Managers, oversee investigations, assessments and safety planning for Aboriginal children and families, and ensure alignment with VACCA's Cultural Therapeutic Ways.

The role requires strong leadership, cultural competence, and the ability to mentor staff while maintaining records and delivering high-quality service in partnership with