KEYS Cultural Support Worker

• Position    : Ongoing, Part Time
• Location   : Chirnside Park
• Salary      : Between $100,783 to $102955 depending on qualifications and experience, plus super and salary packaging option

Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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 KEYS Aboriginal Cultural Support Worker plays a key role in supporting Aboriginal young people in residential care to build and strengthen their connection to culture, community, and identity. Working as part of a multidisciplinary KEYS team, this role focuses on cultural engagement, advocacy, and mentoring, to support young people's healing, stability, and long-term transition outcomes.

The position will be co-location between VACCA and Mackillop.

About You

• Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA' vision and purpose
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, identity, and self-determination, including the unique history and current circumstances of Aboriginal children, families, and communities.
• Understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Placement Principles.
• Understanding of the role of cultural planning for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, including the ability to support in the development and implementation of meaningful Cultural Support Plans.
• Experience working with Aboriginal children and young people, particularly those with complex needs, trauma histories, and diverse behaviours.
• Understanding of child development, attachment, trauma theories, and how these relate to cultural identity and healing for Aboriginal young people.
• Proven ability to build respectful and trusting relationships with young people, families, Elders, and community networks.
• Ability to deliver culturally safe engagement, mentoring, and group-based activities that strengthen identity, confidence, and cultural and community connection.
• Experience in gathering and analysing information that informs cultural planning in a multidisciplinary care team context.
• Organisational skills, with experience developing and delivering programs or activities aligned with program goals.
• Excellent communication, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and to maintain reliability, accountability, and professionalism in client work.
• Requirements: Qualifications in Youth Work Case Management and 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

• 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

Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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 visit the VACCA careers page to download the position description for this role.

Application closes by 12 September 2025

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