• Position    : Permanent Full Time
• Location   : Preston
• Salary      :  $91,586 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 role acts as a bridge between young individuals transitioning from care to the community, building supportive networks, pathways and connections for young people in their local community. They provide opportunities for young people to participate in civic, social, economic and cultural life in their community. Community Connectors seek out and broker partnerships, networks and resources within local communities and with businesses to strengthen young peoples’ social capital and community connectedness. Community Connectors do not provide case work, as this sits with the Better Futures worker, or the young person’s case manager if the young person is still in care services. The Better Futures worker and the Community Connector work collaboratively to support a young person with these connections. 

About You

• Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’s 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
• Demonstrated experience in the child and family sector and engaging with Aboriginal families, young people and children.
• Strong connections to the Aboriginal community and organisations within the Northern metropolitan and wider Victorian area.
• A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding youth, homelessness, adolescent out-of-home care, the Child Protection and Youth Justice systems and available resources and services in Northern Metro regions. 
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering community programs in response to needs of a client group
• 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. We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying. Please click here  Better Futures - Community Connector - Nov 2024 (1).pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 8 December 2024

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