• Position: Fixed Term Full-time (12 Months)
• Location: Preston
• Salary: $110,110 - $124,065.76 + SUPER + NFP Salary Packaging

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 Project Lead role is part of the Nugel and Child Protection Reform Team which supports the strategic design and implementation of innovative projects and programs that aim to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system and support improved outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and families. VACCA is advocating for a child and family services system that is built on self-determination, embeds Aboriginal best practice, and is focused on building culturally strong, safe and thriving Aboriginal families. This role provides leadership to embed a strong Aboriginal cultural lens into policy and program development related to the child protection reform programs and projects. Additionally, the role supports the development of practice resources and operational procedures/manuals of programs associated with the reform portfolio.

About You

• 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.
• Experience within child and family or community services sectors including knowledge and understanding of the Child Protection System in Victoria.
• Experience with managing projects independently that may include community consultations, designing and trialling innovative approaches to meeting community and program needs, and development of new resources.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and seek out and connect with stakeholders including Aboriginal community members, Elders and staff at ACCOs.
• Strong writing skills including policy, practice resources and project reports in a community services context.
• Understanding of and capacity to support service/program establishment and implementation.
• Skills and experience in project designing, planning, management, delivery and reporting including developing associated budgets
• Excellent computer skills across the Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong leadership skills and organisational abilities including driving project and working to strict deadlines.

Requirements

• Degree in social work, social sciences or related discipline and/or relevant experience in policy, project management or advocacy and/or experience in operations delivering child and family services
• a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain)
• Valid Police Check
• a Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended).

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.

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

Please click Project Lead - Child Protection Reform to download the position description for this role. 

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

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.