Youth Through Care - Senior Case Worker

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An Aboriginal Community-Controlled organization in Preston is seeking a Senior Case Worker to provide case work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people involved with the justice system. Responsibilities include mentoring case workers and ensuring culturally safe care. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in youth justice, a relevant qualification, and a commitment to promoting Aboriginal values. This role includes an attractive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction

Professional development opportunities

Attractive salary packaging

Access to Employee support programs

Paid parental leave

Fitness Passport

Qualifications

• Commitment to VACCA’s vision and purpose.
• Experience working in a supportive environment.
• Strong capacity for professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide case work functions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
• Mentor and guide other case workers in the YTC program.
• Support culturally safe and trauma-informed care.

Skills

Understanding in working with Aboriginal families and children

Ability to maintain clear boundaries with young people

Ability to identify and de-escalate volatile behaviours

Mentoring staff and providing professional development

Minimum 3 years work in Youth Justice or Case Management

Education

Relevant qualification in Case Management or Therapeutic Practices

Job description

• Position: Permanent, Full Time
• Location: Preston
• Salary: $100,783 - $105,349 plus superannuation and salary package

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 role will be responsible for providing a range of case work functions requiring a high level of knowledge and skills of working with complex Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who are involved with the justice system whilst in Custody and as they transition out of Custody.

The case worker will mentor and provide guidance to case workers in the delivery of the YTC program. Senior Case workers provide support to the team leader to ensure the YTC program is providing culturally safe and trauma informed care to their clients.

About You

• Commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose.
• Understanding in working with Aboriginal families and children.
• A relevant qualification in Case Management and/or Therapeutic Practices (i.e. Trauma‑informed Care, AoD, Domestic Violence, Social Work, Community Development or other relevant areas).
• Ability to maintain clear and respectful boundaries with young people who display challenging behaviours.
• Ability to identify and de‑escalate potentially volatile behaviours and /or situations.
• Ability to support young people to identify and achieve individual & SMART goals.
• Ability to mentor staff by providing them with relevant information, support, feedback about their work, and opportunities for professional development.
• Minimum 3 years work in Youth Justice, Case Management, or industry experience
• Requirement: 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

• 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.

Download position description: YTC_Senior_Case_Worker_PD .pdf

Application closes by 14th December 2025

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