Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culturally informed practices and support complex cases in the child and family sector.
- Company: Join VACCA, the largest Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation in Australia.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, professional development, and access to wellness programs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal children and families.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Social Work or related field, with relevant experience.
- Other info: This role is specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Overview
Position: Full time, Fixed term contract till June 2027
Location: Preston
Salary: 138,324.06 - 142,504.90, plus super and salary packaging is available
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 Principal Practitioner promotes and supports culturally informed best practice broadly across VACCA, as well as providing guidance in relation to specific high risk and complex cases. The team has two Principal Practitioners who work together to cover all regional offices. The role includes providing reflective practice, undertaking case reviews, secondary consultations and involvement in high-risk panels. The role will work closely with VACCA’s critical services including Nugel, Community Protecting Boorais, Family Services, Family Violence, Care Services and other programs across VACCA’s continuum of service provision.
About You
- Practice and leadership experience in the Child and Family sector or other relevant field, specifically with Aboriginal children and families
- Knowledge of VACCA programs and practice, including case management systems and reporting, with a focus on program objectives and excellence in service delivery
- Demonstrates reflective, culturally appropriate and evidence-based practice
- Highly developed interpersonal skills including an ability to work collaboratively with other specialists and stakeholders internally and externally
- An understanding of the importance of working holistically in the secondary consultation space to ensure the best interests of the child
- An awareness and understanding of risks to children, young people and their families and how to keep a culturally therapeutic approach to complex and high-risk cases
Requirements
- A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or equivalent qualifications (or willing to obtain) and extensive relevant experience OR a combination of experience, expertise and competence sufficient to perform the duties required.
- 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 facilities available on this program
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 current resume. We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying.
Application closes by February 08, 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.
Principal Practitioner 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 Principal Practitioner in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Child and Family sector, especially those who have experience with Aboriginal communities. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on VACCA’s programs and values. Show us you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your culturally informed practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the organisation there!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Practitioner in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what VACCA is looking for, so make sure you understand the key selection criteria and how your experience aligns with them.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the Principal Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience in the Child and Family sector and how you can contribute to VACCA's mission.
Showcase Your Skills and Experience: In your resume, don’t just list your jobs—show us what you’ve achieved! Use bullet points to highlight your practice and leadership experience, especially in culturally informed settings. We want to see how you’ve made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at VACCA!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
✨Know Your VACCA Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand VACCA's programs and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to culturally informed best practices and how they support Aboriginal children and families. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Reflective Practice
Be prepared to discuss your experience with reflective practice and how it has influenced your work. Think of specific examples where you've used this approach in high-risk or complex cases. This will highlight your ability to provide guidance and support effectively.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other professionals. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and your ability to work within a team to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your understanding of risks to children and your approach to managing complex cases. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, ensuring you convey a culturally therapeutic approach throughout.
