Lakidjeka Case Advisor

• Position    : Fixed Term - Full Time (until 30 June 2026)
• Location   : Preston
• Salary     : $88,099 - $94,791 based on level of experience, plus super
• This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated only position

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 Case Advisor partners with local child protection to safeguard the rights and best interests of Aboriginal children. You'll bring an Aboriginal perspective to assessments, placement planning and case decisions; engage with families when concerns arise; identify and connect kin to provide culturally appropriate care; build and maintain relationships with community services; keep accurate case notes and files; and join the Lakidjeka after-hours roster as required.

About You

The Case Advisor partners closely with Child Protection under the VACCA/DHS Protocol and the Children, Youth and Families Act to uphold the rights and best interests of Aboriginal children and young people. Drawing on deep cultural expertise, they inform risk assessments, participate in case planning and Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making, undertake joint visits, and guide families through child protection and court processes—including appearances at the Children's Court (Marram-Ngala Ganbu). They embed Aboriginal culture throughout every stage to ensure cultural safety and provide clear referral recommendations while liaising with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies and government departments.

On the administrative front, the advisor maintains meticulous case notes, client files, statutory forms, and statistical data in line with legislative and agency requirements. They stay current with child welfare policies and practices, engage in ongoing training and team meetings, undertake intra-state travel as needed, and proactively build and nurture relationships across VACCA and external stakeholders.

• Requirements:
• A recognised Diploma of Community Services Work, or similar discipline/framework, with demonstrated industry experience in working with Aboriginal families in the community
• 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 a current resume.

We encourage applicants to review the Position Description on our careers site before applying.

Application closes by Friday, 26 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 well-being 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