• Position    : Ongoing, Full Time
• Location   : Chirnside Park
• Salary       : Upto $121,450 (this rate will be increased to reflect the National wage outcome from July 2026) plus super and salary packaging.

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 Nugel Practice Lead will play a key role supporting Nugel program staff in working with Aboriginal children and families, Government, and sector partners to strive for better outcomes for children and to build the capacity of families so that children can remain at home safely or can be transitioned home. This position supports the Nugel senior management team, as well as case management teams. Nugel implements Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act (CYFA) which transfers responsibility for decision making and direct work with Aboriginal children and their families from Department of Families Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection to VACCA

About You

• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose and the capacity to take a leadership role in championing these internally and externally.
• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, including an understanding of intergenerational trauma, systemic racism and unconscious bias, and a commitment to continually building knowledge, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities.
• Proven capacity to provide expert practice leadership on engaging children, families, and carers, assessing risk and needs, and supporting interventions.
• High level capacity to implement key VACCA frameworks such as Cultural Therapeutic Ways, Nugel’s practice approach, Strengthening Safety Together, related procedures and understanding the centrality of culture in supporting children and families to thrive.
• Mandatory: Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or similar OR Equivalent demonstrated knowledge and experience
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended).

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

What we can offer you

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Access to child protection and VACCA training programs
• Extensive support and training from VACCA’s in house legal service
• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction and regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities 
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take home pay
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program 
• 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

 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  Nugel Practice Lead - Eastern - SCHADS NUGEL 6.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 16 August 2026

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.