• Position    : Permanent, Full Time
• Location   : Preston
• Salary      : Between $132,589 to $137,683 based on quals and experience plus super and benefits

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

Senior Program Manager Nugel will be based at Preston and support the implementation and management of the Nugel program in the Northern region. The position will have senior responsibility for building the Nugel program, utilising the frameworks and knowledge developed through VACCA’s existing Nugel program which has been running in the Northern region since 2018. This position will play a key leadership role in working with Aboriginal children and families, Government and sector partners to reduce the over representation of Aboriginal children in care (ACAC), strive for better outcomes for children and to build capacity in families so that children can be transitioned home.

About You

• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the values that underpin VACCA’ 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, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities.
• Sound knowledge of the legislation, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families and communities.
• Sound knowledge and experience of working within the child protection and the continuum of out-of-home care options; case management and case planning; a demonstrated awareness of the unique nature of the Nugel Program and associated organisational risks and challenges
• Demonstrated experience in the management, professional supervision, support and development of staff providing direct service delivery within the sector. Demonstrated experience in program implementation, policy development and service planning, including monitoring, evaluation, maintenance of standards and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships across the service sector to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
• Strong organisational abilities, problem solving, good decision making and development of innovative strategies in complex cases within complex service systems.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including proven ability to effectively communicate with Aboriginal children, families, carers, and staff and other service providers.
• Demonstrated resilience in being able to work in high pressure environments and ability to support and develop staff in this context
• Requirements: Tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology or social work, 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

• 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 Senior Program Manager - Preston - SCHADS Nugel 7.pdf  to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 17 May 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.