• Position    : Permanent, Full Time 
• Location   : Morwell
• Salary      : Between $$105,581.82 - $119,073.26, 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

Reporting to the Team Leader, the Nugel Senior Case Manager will have the opportunity to make a real-life difference in the lives of Aboriginal Children and families involved in the child protection system.

This position will be responsible for working with Aboriginal children and families, and 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.

Nugel implements Section 18 of the Child 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. Key to transforming the way child protection is delivered is implementing Nugel’s unique practice approach which is based on Cultural Therapeutic Ways; a whole of agency approach that places culture at the centre and integrates this with theories of self-determination and trauma.

The Nugel Senior Case Manager is central to ensuring that this approach is applied to the case management of children, young people and families. The Nugel Senior Case Manager will work closely with the Team Leader supporting the team and taking on higher duties as delegated by the Team Leader and senior program staff. The Senior Case Manager will hold a workload reflective of the seniority of the role, being capable of working with a higher workload of more complex cases. 

About You

1. Commitment to VACCA’s Vision and Cultural Values
   • Demonstrates strong alignment with VACCA’s values and purpose, with the ability to lead and advocate for these values both internally and externally.

• Proven respect for Aboriginal cultures and societies, commitment to continuous learning, and high awareness of issues impacting Aboriginal communities.

1. Cultural Competence and Knowledge of Aboriginal Communities
   • Shows deep understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and communities, with a commitment to ongoing learning and awareness of key issues impacting them.
2. Trauma-Informed and Therapeutic Practice
   • Experienced in working with Aboriginal children and families affected by trauma, using culturally safe and therapeutic approaches that support healing and resilience.
3. Communication, Negotiation and Networking Skills

• Effective yarning, deep listening, negotiation skills with Aboriginal children and families, demonstrating cultural appropriateness and sensitivity in all interactions.
• Proven ability to collaborate with external stakeholders (e.g., police, courts, service providers) to achieve positive outcomes.

1. Child Development and Legislative Understanding
   • Sound knowledge of child development, attachment, trauma, and the relevant legislation, policy, and practice relating to Aboriginal children and families.
2. Assessment, Planning, and Documentation Skills
   • Skilled in conducting risk assessments, developing and reviewing care plans, and preparing accurate and purpose-driven documentation including case notes and court reports.
3. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
   • Proven ability to work with other services and stakeholders (e.g., police, courts) to support effective outcomes for children and families.
4. Team Leadership, Mentoring, and Resilience
   • Demonstrates strong teamwork in high-pressure environments, mentors staff and maintains a commitment to self-care and team wellbeing.
   • Commitment to self-care and providing support to the team, contribution to a positive and supportive workplace culture

9. Requirements: A recognised Social Work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree, 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).

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 Snr Case Manager - Gippsland - SCHADS Nugel 5.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 17 November 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.