At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Aboriginal children and families, providing creative and responsive care in a residential setting.
- Company: Join VACCA, the largest Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation in Australia.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, professional development, and access to wellness programs.
- Other info: Encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and support their healing journey.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 110110 - 114980 £ per year.
Position: Fixed Term (31st March 2027), Full Time
Location: Preston
Salary: $110,110 - $114,980 + superannuation and salary packaging options
This is a maternity backfill cover position.
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 Therapeutic Specialist will be responsible for working systemically within the Gamidji Balit Residential Services Program, providing creative and responsive support to carers and the management team. Our Residential Services Program works with children and young people who have experienced trauma and currently live away from family and often off country. This is complex work requiring a commitment to Aboriginal communities to support healing for the children and young people in residential services.
About You
- Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the values that underpin VACCA’s vision and purpose and the capacity to take a leadership role in championing these internally and externally aligning with a high-level awareness of key issues that impact Aboriginal communities.
- Demonstrated experience in working and engaging with Aboriginal families and children and experience in sectors working with children and families.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with trauma, specifically the impacts of developmental trauma, the complexities of dual diagnoses, and the regular presence of high-risk behaviour that may be trauma-based in young people.
- Ability to work creatively, understanding what supports healing including cultural healing approaches and the importance of working with community as an integral part of the young person’s healing journey.
Desirable
- Experience working in Aboriginal lead organisations and/or a children’s mental health service will be highly regarded.
- Experience providing child development or mental health assessment or behaviour management plans for children or adolescents who engage in high-risk behaviours will be well regarded.
Requirements
- Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work or a related discipline and experience in a similar discipline.
- You must have and continue to hold a full Victorian Driver’s Licence, a current employment Working with Children Check card and a clear National Police Check.
- Current COVID-19 vaccination (including booster dose).
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.
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 7th June 2026 – Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
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.
Therapeutic Specialist 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 strong commitment to cultural healing and advocacy. With a focus on professional development, comprehensive induction, and a supportive work environment, VACCA offers unique opportunities for growth while working closely with Aboriginal families and children. Employees benefit from attractive salary packaging, access to wellness programs, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable community members in Preston.
Contact Details:
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Specialist in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research VACCA and its values. When you understand their mission, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural questions. Think of examples from your past that showcase your skills in working with Aboriginal communities and handling trauma. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 4
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 Therapeutic Specialist in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand VACCA's mission and values. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their commitment to supporting Aboriginal communities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to address the key selection criteria directly and share specific examples of your experience working with children and families, especially in trauma-informed settings.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to highlight your relevant qualifications and experience in your resume. Be clear about your tertiary qualifications and any specific training related to trauma or mental health that makes you a great fit for the role.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 really understand VACCA's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in supporting Aboriginal communities and how they advocate for children and families. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their core principles.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Trauma
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with trauma, especially in relation to children and young people. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported individuals facing high-risk behaviours or developmental trauma. This will demonstrate your capability and understanding of the complexities involved in this role.
✨Highlight Cultural Competence
Since this role involves working closely with Aboriginal communities, it's crucial to express your commitment to cultural healing approaches. Share any relevant experiences you have in engaging with Aboriginal families and how you can contribute to the healing journey of young people in residential services.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. For example, you could ask about the support systems in place for staff or how VACCA measures the success of its programs. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing positively to the organisation.
