- Position : Ongoing Full Time
- Location : Chrinside Park
- Salary : Between $132,589 to $145,168 (this rate will be increased to reflect the National wage outcome from July 2026), based on experience plus super and salary packaging.
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
Senior Program Manager Nugel will be based at Chirnside Park and support the implementation and management of the Nugel program in the Eastern region.
The position will have senior responsibility for building the Nugel program in Chirnside Park, utilising the frameworks and knowledge developed through VACCA’s existing Nugel program which has been running in the Northern region since 2018. This newly developed position will play a key leadership role in working with Aboriginal children and families, Government and sector partners to reduce the over representation of Aboriginal children in care (ACAC), strive for better outcomes for children and to build capacity in families so that children can be transitioned home.
The position will also actively contribute to the development of internal and state-wide policies, procedures and protocols relating to the ACAC program. This includes all associated program development and service administration functions including: the implementation and monitoring of data systems for all programs: coordination of staff training needs and monitoring quality, finance and business systems. This role will be part of the senior management group.
Key to transforming the way child protection is delivered, is implementing Nugel’s unique practice approach which is based on Cultural Therapeutic Ways; a whole of agency approach that places culture at the centre and integrates this with theories of self-determination and trauma. The Senior Program Manager is central to ensuring that this approach is delivered consistently across the program.
About You
- Commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose
Tertiary qualifications in the field of social work, psychology or community services (or other relevant discipline) and extensive relevant experience or a combination of experience, expertise and competence sufficient to perform the duties required
A minimum 3 years working with families, children and young people in a senior leadership position
An excellent knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, kinship structures, history, values and issues facing the Cultural Connections target groups.
Knowledge data and finance collection and reporting systems, and experience in reporting on a range of programmatic data requirements related to the various programs reporting to the role.
Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and a capacity to model the qualities associated with Aboriginal leadership.
Demonstrated experience in, program implementation, service planning including monitoring, evaluation and maintenance of standards.
A proven ability to provide culturally safe supervision and support to staff to develop their capacity to effectively work with and address the individual and specific needs of Aboriginal families
Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with Aboriginal organisations and workers and key stakeholders.
Ability to work under pressure, to demonstrate professional judgement in decision making and high-level risk assessments
- Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Victorian 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
- 5 weeks annual leave
- Access to child protection and VACCA training programs
- Extensive support and training from VACCA’s in house legal service
- A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction and regular internal supervision
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Attractive salary packaging to increase your take home pay
- Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program
- 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
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.
Application closes by 19 July 2026
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.
