• Position    : Ongoing, Full Time
• Location   : Dandenong
• Salary      : Between $122,458 to $126,947 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 Nugel Senior Program Manager, the Nugel Team Leader, will play a key leadership role in 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 Team Leader is central to ensuring that this approach is delivered by staff they manage.

The Team Leader will provide supervision and leadership to a team of Case Managers, ensuring that all practice requirements are met. This includes investigation, assessment and action needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in the program, in addition to developing case plans that meet the long-term needs of the child. Always ensuring staff practice in culturally safe ways in line with the Nugel Practice Approach and VACCA's Cultural Therapeutic Ways. In addition, they may be required to carry a small caseload.

About You

• Commitment to VACCA’s Vision and Cultural Values
  • Demonstrates strong alignment with VACCA’s values and purpose, with the capacity to lead and advocate for these both internally and externally.
• Cultural Competence and Knowledge of Aboriginal Communities
  •  Displays deep understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultures, with a commitment to ongoing learning and awareness of key issues affecting Aboriginal communities.
• Child Protection and Investigative Leadership
  • Skilled in overseeing harm investigations, interviewing involved parties, managing children on protection orders, and supporting staff in court-related work, including report preparation and testimony.
  • Understanding of the legislations, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities.
• Complex Case Management and Therapeutic Leadership
  • Leads complex casework involving trauma-affected children, using culturally safe and therapeutic approaches to support healing and building resilience.
• Mentoring and Child Development Expertise
  • Capable of guiding and mentoring staff in understanding child development, trauma, and attachment, especially in the context of Aboriginal children.
• Professional Communication and Record-Keeping
  • High-level written, computer, and administrative skills, with the ability to prepare, review, and maintain accurate reports and client records.
• Team Leadership, Mentoring, and Resilience
  • Demonstrates emotional intelligence, self-care, flexibility in work hours (including oncall), and encourages a culture of learning and professional growth.
  • Demonstrates strong teamwork in high-pressure environments, mentors’ staff, and team wellbeing
• Requirements: A recognised Social Work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree, 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).
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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 Team Leader - Dandenong - SCHADS NUGEL 6.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 11 October 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.