Senior Case Manager - Nugel

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency; Melton; On-site; AUD 106,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Salary packaging options

In-house legal training

Structured induction & supervision

Professional development opportunities

Fitness Passport

Annual leave loading 17.5%

Agency vehicles for work

Employee wellbeing programs

Paid parental leave after 12 months

Cultural connection opportunities

Job summary

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) in Preston is seeking a Senior Case Manager to lead complex casework with Aboriginal children and families, guided by Nugel’s cultural therapeutic approach. You will work with government partners to transfer decision-making and provide holistic support within a trauma-informed framework.

The role requires a recognised Social Work/Community Services degree, strong reporting skills, and the ability to collaborate across services to achieve positive

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work or related welfare field with child development focus.
• Ability to work with trauma-affected children and families using culturally safe approaches.
• Experience preparing case notes, incident and court reports for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead case management for Aboriginal children and families with complex needs.
• Collaborate with government partners and police/courts to achieve outcomes.
• Support the Team Leader and model cultural therapeutic practice across the team.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Cultural safety

Stakeholder collaboration

Complex case management

Case notes & reporting

Education

Social Work/Community Services degree or equivalent

Job description

• Position : Ongoing, Full Time
• Location : Preston
• Salary : Between $105,581 to $119,073 (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

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 Senior Case Manager is central to ensuring that this approach is applied to the case management of children, young people and families. The Nugel Senior Case Manager will work closely with the Team Leader supporting the team and taking on higher duties as delegated by the Team Leader and senior program staff. The Senior Case Manager will hold a workload reflective of the seniority of the role, being capable of working with a higher workload of more complex cases.

About You

• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose
• A recognised Social Work/Community Services degree or a similar welfare or behavioural related degree which includes focus on child development/counselling or case work practice
• Demonstrated ability to undertake complex work with children and families who have experienced trauma and may present with challenging behaviours, using culturally safe therapeutic approaches to heal and build resilience.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development, attachment, and trauma as they relate to Aboriginal children.
• Understanding of the legislations, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities
• Proven experience in preparing accurate documents and reports e.g., case notes, incident reports, court reports, that meet audience needs.
• Ability to collaborate with other service providers, stakeholders such as police and courts to achieve outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a complex, fast paced team, and to demonstrate resilience in managing competing demands. Commitment to self-care and of support of the team.
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Victorian Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and aVictorian 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

Application closes by27 September 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.