Aboriginal Family Centred Youth Justice Practitioner

• Position   : Fixed Term (12 Months), Full Time (2x positions available)
• Location  : Morwell
• Salary : $100,783 - $105,349 plus superannuation and salary package

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 Aboriginal Family-Centred Youth Justice Program (AFCYJP) at VACCA is an early intervention program that boasts a trauma informed and family centred approach, aimed at reducing the risk of contact with the youth justice system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their families.

The role of the Specialist Family Practitioner is to work alongside Aboriginal young people (aged 10-14 years) and their families, providing intensive case management and individualised therapeutic support. This predominantly involves providing individual outreach support to families in their homes, in the community and over the phone. The Family Specialist Practitioner works closely with the parent/carer, family unit, and other services and supports involved, respecting unique kinship structures and understanding that every family looks different.

The Specialist Family Practitioner will offer group diversion and culture-based activities, education workshops and family centred support to address any presenting challenges, prior to escalation.

About You

• Commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA' vision and purpose
• Diploma or Degree qualification in Community Services/Social Work/Psychology
• 3-5 years case management experience in the child welfare field
• 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
• Demonstrated case management experience in a relevant sector (community services, justice, education)
• Aptitude to authentically engage and listen deeply with Aboriginal families and children, and provide clear, culturally appropriate, respectful and consistent communication
• Expertise in child development, attachment and trauma, with the ability to apply this knowledge
• Experience in identifying, assessing and responding to risk using applicable frameworks in a variety of contexts
• Requirements: 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

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 visit the VACCA Careers Website to download the position description for this role.

Application closes by 22nd 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