• Position    : Casual
• Location   : Chirnside Park
• Salary      : Hourly rate between $38.65 to 40.62 plus super 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 Cultural Mentor provides Culturally respectful support to clients and/or carers by to provide peer support to Aboriginal children and young people that would benefit from additional support in their lives. The role will undertake engagement focused in building confidence, self-esteem, cultural identity and self-determination. The mentor will assist our young people enhance skills to engage better in education, pro social activities, and making positive lifestyle choices. These activities are undertaken within the framework of the client’s Case plan and funding allocated in their Targeted Care Package (TCP).

The Cultural Mentor will liaise closely with the client’s Key Worker (Case Manager) and the Team Leader in planning and delivering the support activities for the client. The Cultural Mentor will prepare case notes on their time with the clients.

The Cultural Mentor will sometimes be required to work outside of regular work hours including weekend work. 

About You

• Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose
• Awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, along with awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities, and commitment to continually build knowledge in this area
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and communities.
• Growing knowledge and/or lived experience with an understanding of Child Protection and out of home care system.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally respectful and competent manner, with young people, their families and communities, to ensure that cultural connections are fostered, maintained and promotes development and implementation of their cultural plan. 
• Growing experience working with young people who have complex needs and behaviours and the ability to engage with young people with varying interests and abilities.
• Ability to lead activities, mentoring and information sessions.
• Proven and sound time management skills, communication skills, reliability, accountability and commitment to high quality client service.
• 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 

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  to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 31 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