BUABAH Practitioner – Family Services

• Permanent- Full Time
• Dandenong
• $97,377 to $101,787 Plus Super and Benefits mentioned below

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care 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

In an effort to promote thriving, connected families and reduce the need for Child Protection involvement in Aboriginal families’ lives, the Bringing Up Aboriginal Babies at Home (BUABAH) model works to support families from early in gestation into early infancy.

BUABAH is a small-scale model that sits within VACCA’s Family Services program. BUABAH focuses on supporting families from 16 weeks in pregnancy, through birthing and support up to 6 months after the birth. The model was originally a philanthropically funded pilot program, developed in collaboration with, and evaluated by the University of Melbourne.

The BUABAH practitioner roles report to a Family Services Team Leader and are supported by a range of enabling supports including access to an Aboriginal Early Years practitioner and VACCA’s suite of specialist practice leads.

About You

• Please note: This is a female only position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
• Certificate, Diploma or Degree qualification in Community Services, Social Work and/or substantial experience in these fields.
• Demonstrated commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose.
• An ability to work in a culturally respectful and competent manner, with Aboriginal families and communities, to ensure that cultural connections are fostered and maintained.
• A well-developed understanding of the impact of colonisation, intergenerational trauma and other issues that impact on Aboriginal families, children, and young people, particularly those who are involved with Child Protection.
• Ability to apply evidence informed practice approaches including Cultural and Common Elements framework.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills including the ability to work independently and within a small team and maintain up to date case notes.
• Requirements: Current COVID-19 vaccination (including booster dose, as applicable), a Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence.

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 see attached document to download the position description for this role.

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.