Case Manager - Nugel

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency; Shire of Yarra Ranges; On-site; AUD 93,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Salary packaging options

Supportive induction and supervision

Job summary

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency seeks a Nugel Case Manager in Chirnside Park, Victoria, to support Aboriginal children and families in the child protection system.

You will implement cultural therapeutic approaches, conduct risk assessments, and help families stay safely at home or transition home, working with government and sector partners.

Qualifications

• Trauma-informed and culturally safe casework with children and families.
• Strong ability to document case notes, risk assessments and care plans.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking with stakeholders.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, complex team environments.

Responsibilities

• Undertake casework with Aboriginal children and families, focusing on trauma-informed approaches.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop, implement and review care plans.
• Document accurately, including court reports and incident notes.
• Collaborate with external partners (police, courts, service providers) to achieve positive outcomes.

Skills

Trauma-informed casework

Communication skills

Assessments & planning

Resilience & teamwork

Cultural safety

Education

Social Work degree or Diploma of Community Services

Job description

• Position : Ongoing Full Time (Multiple roles commencing 5th October onwards)
• Location : Chirnside Park
• Salary : Between $93,114 to $100,188 (Based on qualifications and experience) 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 Team Leader, the Nugel Case Manager will have the opportunity to make a real‑life difference in the lives of Aboriginal children and families involved in the child protection system.

This position will be responsible for 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 Nugel Case Manager is central to ensuring that this approach is applied to the case management of children, young people and families.

About You

1. Commitment to VACCA's Vision and Aboriginal Cultural Awareness:
   • Demonstrated understanding of and alignment with VACCA’s values and purpose, with the capacity to champion these internally and externally.
   • Proven respect for Aboriginal cultures and societies, commitment to continuous learning, and high awareness of issues impacting Aboriginal communities.

1. Experience in Trauma‑Informed and Culturally Safe Casework:

1. • Proven ability to undertake casework with children who have experienced trauma and may present with challenging behaviours, using culturally safe therapeutic approaches to foster healing and resilience in line with legislations, policy and practice relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities
   • Strong understanding of child development, attachment, and trauma, particularly in relation to Aboriginal children.

1. Communication, Negotiation, and Networking Skills:

1. • Effective yarning, deep listening, negotiation skills with Aboriginal children and families, demonstrating cultural appropriateness and sensitivity in all interactions.
   • Proven ability to collaborate with external stakeholders (e.g., police, courts, service providers) to achieve positive outcomes.

1. Ability in Assessments, Planning, and Documentation:

1. • Experience in conducting comprehensive assessments (including risk assessments) and developing, implementing, and reviewing care plans for children and young people.
   • Strong report writing skills, with experience preparing accurate documentation such as case notes, incident reports, and court reports and capturing the child’s voice and that of various audiences.

1. Resilience and Teamwork in Complex and Fast‑Paced Environments:

1. • Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, complex team environment while managing competing demands with resilience.
   • Commitment to self‑care and providing support to the team, contributing to a positive and supportive workplace culture

6. Requirements: A recognised Social Work degree or diploma of Community Services, 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

Application closes by18 October 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.