• Position: Permanent Full Time.
• Location: Chirnside Park.
• Salary: Between $102,546 - $107,074 depending on qualifications and experience, plus superannuation and salary package option.

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of it’s 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 Lakidjeka Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice Support Service (ACSASS) provides specialist advice and case consultation to Child Protection about culturally appropriate intervention in respect of all reports relating to alleged harm of children and significant decisions in all phases of child protection. Reporting to the Program Manager the Team Leader is responsible for the management of the Lakidjeka program in the Eastern metropolitan region and is responsible for engaging, guiding, supervising, and supporting staff in the delivery of a quality service. 

The Team Leader will provide specialist advice and case consultation to Child Protection about culturally appropriate intervention in regarding all reports relating to alleged harm of children and significant decisions in all phases of Child Protection. To ensure and advocate for decisions that are in the best interests of the child, taking into account their connection to family and culture.

About You

• A Tertiary qualification in the field of social work, youth work, psychology or community services and extensive relevant experience, or a combination of experience, expertise and competence sufficient to perform the duties required.
• Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose.
• Demonstrated experience in working and engaging with Aboriginal families and children and experience working with child protection.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Issues related to Aboriginal child and family welfare and Child Protection Systems.
• Ability to work closely with child protection and other services to advocate for the child and support the best interests of Aboriginal children.
• A sound understanding of child and adolescent development, intervention techniques and strategies related to the protection of children and young people from abuse and neglect.
• Demonstrated ability to provide positive leadership and supervision within a complex service delivery environment, with a focus on support, accountability and ensuring a culture that aligns with VACCA’s values. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, including consultation and liaising sensitively and effectively with a wide range of organisations including government departments (DHHS).
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• 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 full Victorian Drivers 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.
• 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.

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. We encourage applicants to view the attached Position Description prior to applying.

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.

A position description is attached.