• Position    : Full time, Fixed term contract till June 2027
• Location   : Preston
• Salary      : $138,324.06 - $142,504.90, 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

The Principal Practitioner promotes and supports culturally informed best practice broadly across VACCA, as well as providing guidance in relation to specific high risk and complex cases. The team has two Principal Practitioners who work together to cover all regional offices. The role includes providing reflective practice, undertaking case reviews, secondary consultations and involvement in high-risk panels. The role will work closely with VACCA’s critical services including Nugel, Community Protecting Boorais, Family Services, Family Violence, Care Services and other programs across VACCAs continuum of service provision.

About You

• Practice and leadership experience in the Child and Family sector or other relevant field, specifically with Aboriginal children and families
• Knowledge of VACCA programs and practice, including case management systems and reporting, with a focus on program objectives and excellence in service delivery
• Demonstrates reflective, culturally appropriate and evidence-based practice
• Highly developed interpersonal skills including an ability to work collaboratively with other specialists and stakeholders internally and externally
• An understanding of the importance of working holistically in the secondary consultation space to ensure the best interests of the child
• An awareness and understanding of risks to children, young people and their families and how to keep a culturally therapeutic approach to complex and high-risk cases

Requirements:

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or equivalent qualifications (or willing to obtain) and extensive relevant experience OR a combination of experience, expertise and competence sufficient to perform the duties required.
• 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. 

Principal Practitioner_PD Jan 2026.pdf

Application closes by February 08,2026

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