• Position: Full time, Fixed term
• Location:  Frankston
• Salary:  $106,389.92 - $111,092.80 plus Super & Benefits

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 Journey Walker position has been designed to walk alongside Aboriginal Community members impacted by family violence to ensure they receive the right services to meet their needs. The model is unique and promotes a strengths-based approach to working with Aboriginal families where culture is acknowledged as a protective factor against family violence.

This holistic approach to working with families means that Journey Walkers will have a sound understanding of the family violence and broader service system to empower Community members to make positive choices to keep themselves and their families safe.

The Journey Walker may also see Community members at different points in the system, from self-referral through to longer term support required following a specialist family violence service closing their case is an exciting new initiative which will enhance the integrated family violence service system in the Bayside Peninsula Area and support self-determination and agency of Aboriginal families to:

• Navigate the family violence service system in ways that are culturally safe and responsive
• Have choice and agency in accessing services
• Access culturally safe information, planning, referral and exit pathways

About You

• A Bachelors qualification in social work, psychology, counselling, family therapy or a related discipline along with demonstrated experience or willingness to work toward the qualification in line with the mandatory minimum qualifications policy
• Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose
• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities
• A comprehensive understanding of Family Violence and the implications on individuals, families, and the community
• Demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal men impacted by family violence and the ability to support them in their journey toward safety and healing.
• Ability to empower and advocate for clients with a non-judgemental approach.
• Substantial and relevant experience working across Family Violence, Child and Family Welfare Services and the Aboriginal sector.
• Strong advocacy skills and the ability to champion cultural safety for Aboriginal Community members accessing a mainstream service
• Demonstrated understanding of Family Support Services and different models of intervention.
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member in a challenging environment, including the ability to prioritise workload and tasks effectively
• 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 

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 current resume.

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