• Position    : Ongoing, Full time position
• Location   : Melton, with travel to Werribee office as required
• Salary      : $73,795.28 - $79,135.16, 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

VACCA’s playgroups are accessible to all children and families in our community, providing a culturally safe space for vulnerable families to engage in activities alongside Aboriginal community members, whilst also providing a safe and supportive space for mentoring and peer support.

The playgroups focus on intentional learning and play, promoting positive parent-child interactions and enhancing parental skills. Key objectives include supporting child development and school readiness, nurturing cultural knowledge and identity, and encouraging the participation of Elders, community members, and artists to strengthen cultural connections.

The role also involves providing information on relevant services, such as Maternal and Child health, while affirming Aboriginal child-rearing practices.

About You

• Strong knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and values
• Ability to work respectfully and competently with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and community
• An understanding of developmental milestones and domains of children
• Demonstrated experience collaboration with Aboriginal organisations, government departments and community service organisations and ability to cultivate relationships with diverse stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
• Knowledge in, or capacity to acquire skills in Early Childhood Education, and remain up to date in relation to Early Childhood theories, and legislation.
• Experience or formal qualifications in Childcare are beneficial. Candidates should be willing to pursue a Diploma or relevant training in Children’s Services, which will be supported by VACCA.
• 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 

 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 below to download the position description for this role

 Playgroup - West - L3 .pdf

Application closes by December 01, 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