• Position: Fixed term 12 months, Part time (0.8FTE)
• Location: Dandenong
• Salary: $88,099.44 - $94,791.84 plus superannuation and salary package 

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

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 Better Futures Community Connector Cultural Mentor will sit within the Better Futures team, working alongside the Community Connector role.   The role will be responsible for supporting the work the Community Connector is doing with young people through a cultural lens, engaging young people in conversations about their connection to culture and how this impacts their ability to enter into training or employment.    

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
• A recognised Diploma of Community Services Work, or similar qualification which is studied over a minimum of two academic years of full-time study (or part time equivalent) or extensive equivalent experience.
• Relevant experience in relation to child protection and out-of-home care
• Ability to engage and build and maintain connections with Aboriginal children and families using culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, strength-based approach.
• Ability to build professional networks across a range of organisations and individuals to promote collaborative working groups that focus on meeting the best interests of vulnerable Aboriginal children and young people. 
• Willingness to be proactive and help others, contribution to the continuous improvement of a positive, collaborative, and effective work environment.
• Knowledge of the area.
• Understanding and application of child-safe practices and effective risk management.
• Experience supporting young people dealing with backgrounds of trauma.

Requirements:

• Valid Police Check, a Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. 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 

 We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to apply

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 below to download the position description for this role. 

 Better Futures - Community Connector Cultural Mentor - Southern-L4.pdf

Application closes by 1st December 2025

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