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- Tasks: Oversee residential care operations and support Aboriginal children in a nurturing environment.
- 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 Aboriginal children and families.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology, or community services required.
- Other info: Strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 ÂŁ per year.
Position: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Preston
Salary: $115,065 to $119,871 plus superannuation 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
The Gamadji Balit Residential Services Program Manager has shared responsibility for the operational oversight of VACCA’s residential care program alongside another Program Manager, utilising the trauma informed practice framework. The role includes managing Team Leaders, house staff groups and all aspects of running residential homes, budgeting, compliance and administration. This role may include additional portfolios such as oversight of the After‑Hours team. The role will ensure Aboriginal children and young people experience a nurturing, positive and culturally safe relationship with staff and will ensure staff actively assist each child to connect (or reconnect) with their culture as a central part of their healing.
About You
- Commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose
- Proven ability to collaborate with a range of professionals, stakeholders and community and a commitment to the principles of Gamadji Balit in this work supporting young people
- Experienced in working and engaging with Aboriginal families and children and contributing to Aboriginal child and family wellbeing
- Deep understanding of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, and current issues facing Aboriginal communities.
- Demonstrated experience and management in the out of home care sector, including understanding of relevant legislation, frameworks and the complexity and issues involved in the delivery of Residential Care Services
- Demonstrated leadership in staff supervision, team building, and professional development.
- Therapeutic approach to trauma and healing, incorporating cultural perspectives into programs and supervision.
- Committed to amplifying youth voice and advocating for Aboriginal children, with strong communication skills.
- Collaborative approach to working with child protection, education, law enforcement, and community organisations.
Requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in the field of social work, psychology or community services
- Valid Police Check
- A Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain)
- Valid First Aid certificate (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 programme
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 25 February 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.
Program Manager - Residential Care Operations & Afterhours 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 Program Manager - Residential Care Operations & Afterhours in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with Aboriginal communities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching VACCA’s values and mission. Show us that you understand their commitment to Aboriginal child and family wellbeing. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of your leadership and collaboration experiences. We want to hear how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in trauma-informed care.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team at VACCA.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager - Residential Care Operations & Afterhours in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Program Manager role. Highlight your experience in residential care and how it aligns with VACCA's values. We want to see your passion for supporting Aboriginal children and families shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your resume, focus on your previous roles that relate to managing teams and working with Aboriginal communities. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership and collaboration skills, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Address Key Selection Criteria: Don’t forget to address the key selection criteria mentioned in the job description. This is your chance to demonstrate how you meet VACCA’s expectations. We recommend using clear examples to illustrate your understanding of trauma-informed practices.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA). Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in supporting Aboriginal communities. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Cultural Sensitivity
Given the role's focus on Aboriginal children and families, be prepared to discuss your experience working with diverse communities. Share specific examples of how you've incorporated cultural perspectives into your work, especially in trauma-informed practices. This will demonstrate your commitment to VACCA’s vision and the importance of cultural safety.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities. Think about past experiences where you managed teams or handled crises in residential care settings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Advocacy Skills
The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so highlight your teamwork and advocacy skills during the interview. Discuss how you've successfully worked with child protection services, educational institutions, or community organisations in the past. This will show that you can build strong relationships and advocate effectively for the children and families you serve.
