• Position    : Multiple positions available
• Location   :  Preston
• Salary       : SCHADS Level- 2.4 to 3.1, ranging from $36.46 per hour to $37.45 per hour plus superannuation and salary                                 packaging 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

The Therapeutic Residential Care Worker plays a pivotal role in building profound connections with children and young individuals, fostering nurturing and positive relationships. This role is dedicated to guiding and supporting each child through their journey, helping them navigate and overcome trauma-based challenges, paving the way for healing, emotional resilience, and the development of crucial life skills.

By actively engaging with these individuals, our Care Worker's champions the journey towards healing, empowering these young minds to embrace a brighter future filled with positive attitudes, personal growth, and the acquisition of essential life skills.

About You

• Passion for VACCA’s Values: Commitment to embracing and promoting VACCA's vision and values internally and externally.
• Cultural Awareness and Competency: Ongoing dedication to understanding Aboriginal cultures and issues affecting these communities.
• Qualifications & Growth: Cert 4 in Child, Youth and Family Intervention or willingness to complete as part of the role.
• Experience with Complex Needs: Expertise in supporting Aboriginal children with diverse needs, particularly in trauma and attachment-based behaviours.
• Therapeutic Approach: Proficiency in providing therapeutic parenting to children who have experienced trauma, fostering a healing environment.
• Versatility: Ability to manage household tasks (cooking, cleaning, transport) and administrative duties (petty cash, handovers).
• Collaborative Team Player: Experience working with child protection, schools, police, and both Aboriginal and mainstream organisations to support families.
• 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 here  Therapeutic Residential Care Worker - Residential Care - Full Time or Part Time- L2 or L3.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 16 July 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