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- Tasks: Support young people transitioning to independence, helping them develop essential life skills.
- Company: Join VACCA, the largest Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation in Australia.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, professional development, and access to employee wellbeing programs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Aboriginal youth and their communities.
- Qualifications: Qualifications in youth work or community services and a valid Police Check required.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities to connect with Aboriginal culture.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Overview
- Position: Permanent, Full Time
- Location: Preston
- Salary: Between $88,099 to $92,725 depending on qualifications and experience, plus super and salary packaging options
About 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 approach 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 the young person prepares to transition – 6 months prior. In limited circumstances the Youth Worker will provide direct support to the young person in care and will provide case work support to a 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’s 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 budgeting, meal preparation, household management, understanding housing, and managing health and wellbeing appointments relevant to the young person’s 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 using 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; skill in managing related risks
- 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)
- 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
Equal Opportunity
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 18 February 2026.
Note: 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.
Better Futures youth worker in Preston employer: Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Contact Detail:
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Better Futures youth worker in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research VACCA and their values. When you understand their mission, you can tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Better Futures Youth Worker role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to youth work and Aboriginal culture. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at VACCA.
We think you need these skills to ace Better Futures youth worker in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting Aboriginal youth shine through. We want to see your commitment to the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to address the key selection criteria in your cover letter. We love it when applicants take the time to connect their experiences with what we’re looking for in a Better Futures Youth Worker.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your resume and cover letter clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward applications that highlight your qualifications and experience without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on VACCA’s vision and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding support for the Aboriginal community and vulnerable youth. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've helped young people transition to independence in the past. Highlight your experience with budgeting, meal preparation, and managing health appointments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Community
Familiarise yourself with the issues facing Aboriginal communities today, including intergenerational factors and complex kinship systems. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the community you’ll be working with.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the support systems in place for youth workers or how VACCA measures success in their programs. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
