Position details
* Title: Senior Program Manager (Nugel)
* Location: Wangaratta or Wodonga (VIC, Australia)
* Employment: Permanent Full‑time
* Salary: $132,589 – $137,683 per annum (plus super and salary packaging options)
* Application deadline: 31 December 2025
About the organisation
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, and passionately provides support, service and advocacy for children and other vulnerable members of the community. Our strength lies with our people.
About the role
Senior Program Manager Nugel will be based at Wangaratta or Wodonga and support the implementation and management of the Nugel program in the Ovens Murray region. The position will have senior responsibility for building the Nugel program in Ovens Murray, utilising the frameworks and knowledge developed through VACCA's existing Nugel program which has been running in the Northern region since 2018. This newly developed position will play a key leadership role in working with Aboriginal children and families, Government and sector partners to reduce the over‑representation of Aboriginal children in care (ACAC), strive for better outcomes for children and to build capacity in families so that children can be transitioned home.
Responsibilities
As Senior Program Manager, you will:
* Lead the development and expansion of the Nugel program across the Ovens Murray region.
* Build and sustain strong partnerships with Aboriginal children and families, Government agencies and sector partners.
* Oversee program implementation, policy development, service planning, monitoring, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
* Provide professional supervision and support to direct‑service staff.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships across the service sector to secure the best outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
* Apply sound knowledge of legislation, policy and practice relating to Aboriginal children, families and communities.
* Advise on risks, challenges and innovative strategies for complex cases within complex service systems.
* Maintain resilience and support staff in high‑pressure environments.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Graduate (Bachelor or higher) in Social Work, Psychology or a related field.
* Valid Police Check and Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain).
* Victorian Driver's Licence.
* Sound knowledge and experience working within child protection and out‑of‑home care options, case management and case planning.
* Demonstrated experience in program implementation, policy development, and service planning.
* Strong organisational, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with capability to engage Aboriginal children, families, carers and service providers.
* Capability to develop and maintain relationships and partnerships across the service sector.
* A commitment to the values underpinning VACCA's vision and purpose, and the capacity to champion these internally and externally.
* Awareness of and respect for Aboriginal societies and cultures.
* Commitment to continually build knowledge of Aboriginal issues.
* Current COVID‑19 vaccination is strongly recommended.
What We Can Offer You
* 5 weeks annual leave (plus 17.5 % loading on annual leave).
* Comprehensive induction and regular internal supervision.
* Access to child protection and VACCA training programs.
* Extensive support and training from VACCA's in‑house legal service.
* Professional development and training opportunities.
* Attractive salary packaging to increase take‑home pay.
* Fitness Passport – access to all program facilities for you and your family.
* Access to agency vehicles for all work‑related travel.
* Access to employee support and wellbeing programs.
* Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous employment.
* Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal community and culture.
How to Apply
Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and a current résumé. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. Application closes by 31 December 2025.
View the Position Description to understand the role fully: (PDF)
Equal Opportunity Statement
VACCA is an equal‑opportunity employer and a child‑safe organisation. We are committed to Aboriginal self‑determination, supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities, and ensuring every individual is treated with dignity. Our workplace values cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs. 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 thereafter.
VACCA is a child‑safe organisation and has a smoke‑free workplace policy.
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