• Position    : Permanent, Full Time
• Location   : Preston
• Salary      : Between $112,951 - $123,769 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 Program Manager-Nugel, the Team Leader for Community Protecting Boorais program will oversee a team of Case Managers who will work with a mix case load of authorised children as well as conducting investigations into child protection reports. They will hold day to day oversite of the operations of the pilot program, this will include the oversite of all investigations. They will work actively with Aboriginal children and families, Government and sector partners to reduce the over representation of Aboriginal children involved with Child Protection, strive for better outcomes for children and to build capacity in families.

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.
• Understanding of and ability to oversee investigations into reports of harm including interviewing parties involved as well as managing children on protection orders and support staff in all aspects of court related work, including preparation of applications and court reports, court attendance and giving evidence.
• Ability to make decisions in high pressure contexts, clearly able to communicate rational for decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct complex casework with children who have experienced trauma and may present with challenging behaviours, including using culturally safe therapeutic approaches to heal and build resilience.
• Ability to lead and mentor staff in their understanding of child development, attachment and trauma as they relate to Aboriginal children.
• A proven ability to develop, manage and lead a team in quality casework practice.
• Ability to monitor continuous quality improvement and report on compliance with standards.
• High level written and computer skills with the ability to prepare and review reports (including court reports) and maintain client records to a high standard.
• Requirements:
  • A recognised Social Work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree which includes a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma and preferably a practical component such as counselling or case work practice. Or a recognised Diploma of Community Services work or similar qualification, which is studied over a minimum of two academic years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) and includes a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma.
  • 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  Team Leader CPB - Northern - Nugel SCHADS 6.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 10 April 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.