Senior Case Manager

Senior Case Manager - Community Protecting Boorais

Location: Preston, VIC, Australia 3072 — Permanent, Full Time

Salary: Between $100,794 to $110,442 plus super and salary packaging option

About 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, 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 Senior Case Manager for the Community Protecting Boorais program will hold a mixed caseload of children authorised to VACCA and lead investigations into new child protection reports. Responsibilities include making assessments and recommendations on whether a child needs protection. If protection is required, the Senior Case Manager will work directly with the child, family and community to ensure safety and wellbeing. This role is guided by cultural values, aiming to wrap our service response around the family and community to restore circles of care at the heart of the Aboriginal Way of protecting children.

What You Will Do

• Manage a mixed caseload of children authorised to VACCA and lead investigations into new child protection reports.
• Make assessments and recommendations on child protection needs; collaborate with families and communities to ensure safety and wellbeing.
• Apply culturally safe therapeutic approaches to support healing and resilience for children and families who have experienced trauma.
• Develop and review safety and care plans for children and young people, including risk identification and mitigation.
• Prepare accurate case notes, reports (incident reports, court reports, etc.) and other documentation requiring clear audience-specific language.
• Collaborate with other service providers and stakeholders (e.g., police and courts) to achieve positive outcomes.
• Provide leadership and mentoring within the team and support the Team Leader during high-demand periods.
• Maintain compliance with legislations, policy and practice requirements related to Aboriginal children, families, and communities.

About You

• Demonstrated commitment to VACCA's vision and purpose.
• Understanding of Aboriginal societies and cultures and commitment to ongoing learning in this area.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with Aboriginal children and families; culturally appropriate interpersonal skills including active listening and empathy.
• Experience with complex cases involving trauma and challenging behaviours; use of culturally safe approaches.
• Knowledge of child development, attachment, and trauma as they relate to Aboriginal children.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, policy, and practice requirements related to Aboriginal children, families, and communities.
• Experience with investigations, interview techniques, and documenting evidence.
• Ability to assess risks and develop, implement, and review plans for children and young people.
• Ability to prepare accurate documents and reports that meet audience needs.
• Ability to collaborate with police, courts, and other service providers to achieve outcomes.
• Resilience in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment; commitment to self-care and team wellbeing.
• Ability to lead and mentor staff within the team and support the Team Leader as needed.
• Requirements: A recognised social work degree or diploma of community services; valid Police Check; Working with Children's Check (or willingness to obtain); Victorian Driver Licence; current COVID-19 vaccination (strongly recommended).

What We Can Offer You

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Access to training programs in child protection and VACCA
• In-house legal service support and comprehensive induction
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Salary packaging to increase take-home pay
• Fitness Passport access for you and your family
• 17.5% loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for work-related travel
• 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 Islander people to apply.

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume. Please view the Position Description prior to applying. Application closes by 7 October 2025.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation 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 and periodically thereafter. VACCA is an equal opportunity employer with a smoke-free workplace policy.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other
• Non-profit Organizations

Return to Work cases and related updates are shared for applicants; this description reflects the VACCA role and does not guarantee future postings.

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