Senior Policy Officer (Identified Position)

• Multiple Part Time position available
• $102,000-$107,000 plus super and salary packaging is available
• Hybrid role based at the VACCA Preston office

The Organisation

VACCA is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal community. Our strength lies with our people. Our team is committed to the organisation's vision and values; advocates for our children and other vulnerable community members; and shows respect for, observance and compliance with Aboriginal cultural protocols, practice and ceremony. Our Aboriginality is what distinguishes us from mainstream services and what enables us to deliver the positive outcomes we achieve for our people.

About The Program

The Aboriginal Strategic Governance Forum (ASGF) is the principal advisory and governance forum for the child and family welfare, family violence and housing portfolios under the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH). It is comprised of all senior DFFH leadership and Aboriginal Koorie Caucus. The ASGF is responsible for the monitoring and implementation of Korin Korin Balit Djak (KKBD) and it’s three sub-plans.  The forum reports Directly the DFFH Secretary and elected Aboriginal Caucus Chair. Funding is provided by the Aboriginal Self Determination and Outcomes (ASDO) branch within DFFH.

About the role

ASGF Koorie Caucus Senior Policy Officer will provide a leading role for all secretariat functions for ASGF Koorie Caucus and will provide a central point of contact and effective communication amongst members, alongside the Secretariat team.

The ASGF Koorie Caucus Senior Policy Officer will support Caucus chair, co-chair and all members to be well briefed and prepared in relation to meetings, key tasks, emerging issues and will build and maintain strong and effective relationships with relevant government departments, especially the ASDO.

 About You

• Demonstrated awareness and 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 impacts upon Aboriginal communities, particularly intergenerational impacts of past government policies and the removal policies that led to Stolen Generations.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with demonstrated capacity to coordinate and implement multiple projects at a time.
• High level professional, interpersonal and communication skills, to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• A demonstrated commitment to establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with, colleagues, government departments, sector partners and the Aboriginal Community.
• Awareness of Aboriginal Affairs both at a State and National level.
• Proven ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, sharing individual skills and knowledge.
• Desirable: A tertiary qualification in community services, social work, social science, or a related discipline will be highly regarded and at least two years’ experience working in a similar role in either the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Sector or community services sector.
• Requirement: 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 valid Victorian Drivers License

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
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available in this program
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel 
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs 
• 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture

Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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 click here to view the position description

Application closes by 22 April 2024 at 11:59pm

 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