• Position    : Senior Policy Officer – Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus Secretariat
• Location   : VACCA Head Office - Preston with Hybrid Options Available
• Salary      : $115,337 - $120,440 plus super and NFP Salary Packaging

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 Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus Secretariat supports the Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus, largely through direct engagement with the Koori Caucus Chairs and Regional Coordinators. With Senior Policy Officer capabilities, the Secretariat ensures effective communication and administrative functions, to support the Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus on issues relating to family violence and the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families 10 Year Agreement. This will include the development of position papers and issues briefs under Caucus’ guidance and direction.

The position reports directly to the Manager Policy & Secretariats, who supports the Secretariat to advise the Caucus and administer its meetings and workplan.

About You

• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact Aboriginal communities, particularly family, sexual violence and racism
• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such
• Effective communication with Aboriginal community and stakeholders, and ability to communicate sensitively and about sensitive matters whilst demonstrating empathy and ensuring a culturally safe approach consistently
• Demonstrated ability to manage the administrative functions of a Secretariat like managing meetings, action records and briefing Chairs/Presenter
• Proficiency with MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Analytical and writing skills, including knowledge translation
• Ability to work autonomously in the planning and prioriting of work tasks and projects with considered self-awareness and approaches to contribute constructively and consciously
• 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)

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.

 Position Description - Dhelk-Dja Senior Policy Officer.pdf

Application closes by 9th Sept

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