Better Futures youth worker

• Position   : Permanent, Full Time
• Location  : Preston
• Salary  : Between $88,099 to $92,725 depending on qualifications and experience, 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

A Better Futures Youth Worker engages proactively with the young person as they are about to turn 16 years and assists them as they transition to independence up until the age of 21 years.

They provide a secondary consultation to the care team – lending expertise to the transition planning process; identifying goals and actions for inclusion in the 15+ Care and Transition Plan.

The Youth Worker does not assume lead responsibility for case work support while the young person is subject to a statutory order – support gradually increases as young person prepared to transition – 6 months prior.

In limited circumstances the Youth Worker will provide direct support to young person in care and will provide case work support to young person up to 21 years of age who have been in care services.

About You

• Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA' vision and purpose
• A sound understanding of Aboriginal societies and culture, values, protocols, intergenerational factors and complex kinship systems, as well as the issues facing vulnerable Aboriginal people today,
• Demonstrated ability to assist young people aged 16-21 years to transition and develop the necessary skills for independent living including independent living skills (budgeting, meal preparation, household management, understanding housing, managing health and wellbeing appointments) relevant to the young persons current needs.
• Ability to provide a secondary consultation to the care team – lending expertise to the transition planning process; identifying goals and actions for inclusion in the 15+ Care and Transition Plan.
• Ability to provide case work support while the young person is subject to a statutory order and as they move towards independence use assertive outreach in engagement
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding youth, homelessness, adolescent out-of-home care, the Child Protection and Youth Justice systems and available resources and services in Northern Metro regions and skill in managing the risk often related with this.
• Demonstrated commitment to establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with families, colleagues, government departments, sector partners and the Aboriginal Community.
• Willingness to support outreach with high risk young people with complex behaviours.
• Requirements: Qualifications in youth work, community services, child youth and family, 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 page to download the position description for this role.

Application closes by 17 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