• Position : Casual
• Location : Pakenham
• Salary : SCHADS Level- 2.4 to 3.1, ranging from $36.46 per hour to $37.45 per hour 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

Therapeutic Residential Care Worker will engage with the children and young people to develop a nurturing, positive relationship and to assist each child to deal with their trauma-based responses to life in a way that promotes healing, emotional growth and development of positive attitudes and life skills.

About You

• Commitment to, the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose and the capacity to take a leadership role in championing these internally and externally
• Appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities
• Ability to work, collaborate and contribute to Aboriginal children with a range of complex and diverse needs to support their emotional, physical, psychological and cultural development.
• Ability to respond therapeutically to Aboriginal children’s pain-based behaviours indicating an understanding of the impact of trauma and disrupted attachment on children.
• Ability to provide therapeutic parenting to children who have been traumatised.
• Ability to participate pro-actively and openly in the therapeutic team including the ability to give and receive feedback in a constructive, respectful manner.
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills including the ability to write case notes, Incident Reports and reports on the children as required.
• Requirements: 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)

Additional Role Requirements:

• Sleepover shifts are required as part of this position.
• The role includes day, afternoon, and night shifts on a rotating roster.
• Availability for 2–3 shifts per week is essential.

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 visit the VACCA Careers Page to download the position description for this role.

Application closes by 2nd July 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