Program Manager Residential Care Operations & Afterhours

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency; Preston; On-site; GBP 58,000 - GBP 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent community organization in Preston is seeking a full-time Program Manager for the Gamadji Balit Residential Services Program. You will oversee the operational management of residential care, ensuring a culturally safe and nurturing environment for Aboriginal children. Ideal candidates will have experience with Aboriginal families, possess relevant tertiary qualifications, and demonstrate leadership in care settings. This role offers a competitive salary package and the chance to make a significant impact in the community.

Benefits

Attractive salary packaging

Paid parental leave

Access to employee wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Commitment to VACCA’s vision and values.
• Experience in the out of home care sector.
• Valid Police Check and Working with Children’s Check required.

Responsibilities

• Operational oversight of VACCA’s residential care program.
• Managing Team Leaders and house staff.
• Ensure positive, culturally safe relationships with Aboriginal children.

Skills

Collaboration with professionals

Experience with Aboriginal families

Leadership and staff supervision

Strong communication skills

Therapeutic approach to trauma

Education

Tertiary qualifications in social work

Job description

Overview

• 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

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’ vision and purpose
• Proven ability to 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) and a 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 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. Please download the position description for this role by referring to the provided document.

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