• Position    : Ongoing full time or Part time could be considered.
• Location   :  Preston
• Salary      :   $138,746 - $155,357, plus super and salary packaging is available

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

Reporting to the Director Legal Practice: Law Reform, Policy and Litigation, and working alongside the In-house Legal Service team of lawyers, the Law Reform Projects Executive Legal Advisor will be responsible for managing and leading law reform projects at VACCA including a review of permanent care for Aboriginal children under the Children, Youth and Families Act involving the following:

• Undertaking a detailed case file review
• Engaging and consulting with key stakeholders on emerging trends in practice in the Children’s Court of Victoria
• Drafting a report on project findings
• Developing an Aboriginal Child Rights Practice Guide to Legal Proceedings in the Children’s Court of Victoria

The Law Reform Project Executive Legal Advisor will bring to the role significant experience in Children’s law and the practical application of the current legislation – the Children, Youth and Families Act.

About You

• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated experience of the practical application of the Children Youth and Families Act as it relates to proceedings in the Family Division of the Children’s Court of Victoria
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality written materials addressing a range of issues for different audiences or purposes including the development and delivery of legal training.
• Experience or knowledge of relevant inquiries, case law or law reform in relation to issues impacting Aboriginal people in Australia and/or Victoria, highly desirable
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyse and apply different areas of law as required.
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise and communicate effectively with key stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Admitted as an Australian Lawyer in Victoria and holder of an unrestricted practicing certificate, with at least 5 years post-admission experience, including at least 1 year of relevant experience of the Victorian Child Protection system
• Bachelor of Laws/Juris Doctor
• 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 to download the position description for this role. 

 Executive Legal Advisor-Law Reform Project 180925.pdf

Application closes by October 12, 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