At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support Aboriginal children and families, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join VACCA, the largest Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation in Australia.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks annual leave, professional development, and attractive salary packaging.
- Other info: We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal children and communities.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work degree and relevant checks.
The predicted salary is between 116905 - 121190 £ per year.
Position: Fixed Term Full Time until 14 July 2027
Location: Preston
Salary: $116,905 to $121,190 (this rate will be increased to reflect the National wage outcome from July 2026) plus super 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
Reporting to the Nugel Senior Program Manager, the Nugel Team Leader will play a key leadership role in working with Aboriginal children and families, and Government and sector partners to strive for better outcomes for children and to build the capacity of families so that children can remain at home safely, or can be transitioned home. Nugel implements Section 18 of the Child Youth and Families Act (CYFA) which transfers responsibility for decision making and direct work with Aboriginal children and their families from Department of Families Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection to VACCA. 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 Team Leader is central to ensuring that this approach is delivered by staff they manage.
The Team Leader will provide supervision and leadership to a team of Case Managers, ensuring that all practice requirements are met. This includes investigation, assessment and action needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in the program, in addition to developing case plans that meet the long-term needs of the child. Always ensuring staff practice in culturally safe ways in line with the Nugel Practice Approach and VACCA's Cultural Therapeutic Ways. In addition, they may be required to carry a small caseload.
About You
- Commitment to VACCA’s Vision and Cultural Values: Demonstrates strong alignment with VACCA’s values and purpose, with the capacity to lead and advocate for these both internally and externally.
- Cultural Competence and Knowledge of Aboriginal Communities: Displays deep understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultures, with a commitment to ongoing learning and awareness of key issues affecting Aboriginal communities.
- Child Protection and Investigative Leadership: Skilled in overseeing harm investigations, interviewing involved parties, managing children on protection orders, and supporting staff in court-related work, including report preparation and testimony. Understanding of the legislations, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities.
- Complex Case Management and Therapeutic Leadership: Leads complex casework involving trauma-affected children, using culturally safe and therapeutic approaches to support healing and building resilience.
- Mentoring and Child Development Expertise: Capable of guiding and mentoring staff in understanding child development, trauma, and attachment, especially in the context of Aboriginal children.
- Professional Communication and Record-Keeping: High-level written, computer, and administrative skills, with the ability to prepare, review, and maintain accurate reports and client records.
- Team Leadership, Mentoring, and Resilience: Demonstrates emotional intelligence, self-care, flexibility in work hours (including on-call), and encourages a culture of learning and professional growth. Demonstrates strong teamwork in high-pressure environments, mentors’ staff, and team wellbeing.
Requirements: A recognised Social Work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree, 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:
- 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.
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.
Team Leader - Nugel in Preston employer: Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to supporting the Aboriginal community through a culturally informed approach. Located in Preston, VACCA offers a supportive work environment with extensive training opportunities, five weeks of annual leave, and attractive salary packaging options, all while fostering professional growth and connection with Aboriginal culture. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to self-determination and a workplace that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children and families.
Contact Details:
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Nugel in Preston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Nugel in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
