Careers
Working or volunteering for Very Special Kids offers a unique, rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children, young people and families facing childhood life-limiting illness. Our circa 100 employees and more than 600 volunteers provide essential, free-of-charge paediatric palliative care services across Victoria.
Culture at Very Special Kids
At Very Special Kids, we cultivate a nurturing and inclusive culture that prioritises the empowerment, support, and safety of our team members as they care for children and families.
We value teamwork, collaboration, and personal growth, creating a positive atmosphere that encourages professional development and wellbeing.
Our goal is for our workforce to reflect the diverse community we serve. We continually seek to employ people of any gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, with a disability, Aboriginal Australians and varied cultural backgrounds.
Why work at Very Special Kids
Learning and development – we are committed to providing programs and opportunities to develop and maintain a highly skilled workforce, including formal and on the job training, and professional development allowance.
Benefits – employees can access discounted health insurance, wellbeing support, an immunisation program, a very special discounts program and free onsite parking.
Careers – we offer generous study leave and study assistance to all employees, a learning and development allowance and annual performance reviews.
Compensation – as a not-for-profit organisation, all employees are entitled to salary packaging benefits including novated car leasing and generous leave entitlements. Service delivery staff receive added value through their enterprise agreement.
Meet some team members
Meg - family support team leader
Meg has been with Very Special Kids since 2013 and worked with us in the early 2000s. Meg is the Team Leader of our highly professional Family Support Team.
Meg has a Bachelor of Science Health from the University of Texas, San Antonio, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work, both from the University of Melbourne. She is also undertaking a PhD at the University of Melbourne, researching the lived experiences of bereaved siblings aged 5years to 12years. Her specific areas of practice include grief and bereavement counselling and support, psychosocial support, advocacy, play-based counselling with children, children’s rights, community education and program development.
Meg facilitates the Very Special Kids Children’s Advisory Group, where members are responsible for sharing ideas, views, insights, reflections and providing input into the way Very Special Kids supports children within the organisation.
Meg is EPEC paediatrics trained and is a member of the International Work Group of Death, Dying and Bereavement.
Cat - fundraising manager
Cat joined Very Special Kids in May 2021 after many years working with children’s charities.
The former primary school teacher is now part of the team who raise the valuable funds that keeps Very Special Kids open and free to families. “Knowing that every dollar I am able to raise goes towards the crucial programs and services helping the very special children and families in our care, keeps me motivated.”
And on working with Very Special Kids, Cat says: “I feel grateful every single day to work for Very Special Kids – what a very special bunch of people! You’d be hard pressed to find a more rewarding and heart-warming organisation to work for. All our colleagues live and breathe the ethos, and as a result I get to work with such kind, caring and genuine people every day.”
Belinda - physiotherapist
Belinda joined the team in 2017, in a newly created physiotherapy role at our children’s hospice, Very Special Kids House.
Belinda has relished the opportunity to develop the therapeutic offering in the hospice, helping children to do the things that really matter to them and their families. “There are so many more experiences for children and young people in the new hospice. In particular the hydrotherapy pool has become a popular facility where they can have fun, relax, exercise and play”.
Belinda says “While there are moments of sadness, there are also many magical moments of joy and making the most of every day. Very Special Kids is without a doubt my favourite place to work and I am certain I have the best job in the hospice!”
Current vacancies
Trusts and foundations coordinator
Permanent part time position
We are seeking a passionate and motivated Trust and Foundations Coordinator to join our Fundraising and Marketing team.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in securing philanthropic support that enables Very Special Kids to continue delivering essential services to children, young people and families across Victoria. Working closely with the Philanthropy Manager and Philanthropy Specialist, you will help identify and secure funding opportunities, develop compelling grant applications, and build strong relationships with trusts, foundations and philanthropic partners.
If you are a strong writer, enjoy building meaningful relationships, and are passionate about making a tangible impact in the not-for-profit sector, we’d love to hear from you.
The Trust and Foundations Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and strengthening Very Special Kids’ trusts, foundations and grant funding portfolio.
You will proactively identify funding opportunities, manage grant application processes, steward funder relationships and support the delivery of high-quality impact reporting that demonstrates the value of philanthropic investment.
Key responsibilities include:
– Researching and identifying trusts, foundations and grant opportunities.
– Developing compelling grant applications, funding proposals and expressions of interest.
– Coordinating acquittal and impact reporting for funders.
– Building and maintaining relationships with philanthropic partners and supporters.
– Maintaining grant pipelines, funding calendars and prospect tracking systems.
– Monitoring funding rounds, philanthropic trends and emerging opportunities.
– Collaborating with internal stakeholders to gather project information, outcomes data and budgets.
– Maintaining accurate records within Salesforce and grant management systems.
– Supporting donor stewardship and engagement activities.
– Assisting with small fundraising and recognition events for philanthropic supporters.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking an organised and relationship-focused professional who is passionate about connecting donors with opportunities to create meaningful impact.
You will bring:
– Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, grants, partnerships or relationship management.
– Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to develop persuasive funding applications, reports and supporter communications.
– Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
– High attention to detail and accuracy.
– Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capabilities.
– Strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems, ideally Salesforce.
– A genuine passion for the purpose and mission of Very Special Kids
Highly regarded:
– Understanding of the Australian philanthropic and grant-making environment.
– Experience preparing grant applications and acquittal reports.
– Qualifications in fundraising, business, marketing or a related field.
Click here for position description.
When applying, please include a cover letter, addressing the key selection criteria and an updated copy of your resume to jobs@vsk.org.au. We will review applications as they are received.
Commercial cook
Fixed-term part time position
We are seeking a Part-Time Commercial Cook, on a fixed term basis (October 2026 until June 2027) to lead the kitchen operations at Very Special Kids House in Malvern. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by preparing nutritious, personalised meals for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. Working days are Wednesday to Friday with 22.5 hours per week and the occasional additional shift on weekends (Saturday).
As a key member of our hospice team, it will be your responsibility to:
– Plan and prepare daily menus in line with paediatric dietary guidelines.
– Collaborate with nursing and intake teams to understand individual feeding requirements.
– Order and manage kitchen supplies to ensure consistent availability.
– Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.
– Provide catering support for small-scale events.
– Supervise and support volunteers in the kitchen.
About you:
– Certificate in Commercial Cookery or equivalent
– Experience in healthcare, disability, or aged care settings
– Food Safety Supervisor certificate regulations and dietary guidelines
– Ability to prepare meals for diverse cultural and medical needs
– Excellent communication and teamwork skills
– Empathy and alignment with Very Special Kids guiding principles
Click here for position description.
When applying, please include a cover letter, addressing the key selection criteria and an updated copy of your resume to jobs@vsk.org.au. We will review applications as they are received.
IT support analyst
Fixed-term part time position
We are seeking an IT Support Analyst to join our Information Technology team. This is an exciting opportunity for a customer-focused IT professional who enjoys solving problems, supporting users and improving the way technology enables people to work.
Reporting to the IT Manager, you will provide day-to-day support for business systems, applications and technology platforms across the organisation. This role offers exposure to a diverse technology environment, including Microsoft 365, business applications, reporting tools and digital improvement initiatives. You will also have opportunities to contribute to process automation, user training and the adoption of new technologies.
The role is based at our Malvern head office and may be offered either a three or four day per week position, providing flexibility while supporting organisational needs with potential for ongoing engagement.
The IT Support Analyst is responsible for ensuring Very Special Kids employees have the technology, systems and support they need to work effectively and deliver services to children and families.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will provide technical support, administer business systems, deliver user training and contribute to initiatives that enhance productivity, data quality and the user experience. You will play an important role in supporting the ongoing development of our digital workplace and encouraging the effective use of technology across the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
– Providing timely support and troubleshooting for business applications, systems and end users.
– Supporting the administration and continuous improvement of Microsoft 365, SharePoint and organisational software platforms.
– Developing and maintaining user guides, training resources and system documentation.
– Delivering system training and onboarding support to new and existing employees.
– Working with external technology partners and software vendors to resolve issues and implement system enhancements.
– Assisting with technology projects, system upgrades and digital transformation initiatives.
– Identifying opportunities to improve, streamline and automate business processes using technology solutions.
– Supporting organisational reporting, data management and information governance practices.
– Contributing to cyber security awareness and the adoption of technology best practices across the organisation.
– Participating in continuous improvement activities to maximise the value and effectiveness of organisational systems.
We are seeking a proactive and customer-focused IT professional who enjoys building relationships, solving technical problems and helping others make the most of technology.
You will be confident working with people at all levels of the organisation and have the ability to translate technical concepts into practical solutions that support day-to-day operations. Equally comfortable responding to support requests, delivering training or contributing to improvements, you will bring a collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
– Qualifications in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
– Experience providing technical support across business systems, applications and end-user environments.
– Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications and services.
– Experience troubleshooting hardware, software, application and user access issues.
– Well-developed problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify practical and sustainable solutions.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to non-technical users.
– Experience developing user guides, training materials or delivering system training to end users.
– Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
– A collaborative and service-oriented approach with a commitment to delivering high-quality customer support.
Desirable experience:
– Experience with SharePoint, Power Platform, Power Automate or Power BI.
– Experience supporting business applications, CRM systems or healthcare-related software.
– Exposure to cyber security, data governance or information management practices.
– Experience working within a not-for-profit, healthcare, disability or community services environment.
– Experience supporting technology projects, system upgrades or digital transformation initiatives.
Click here for position description.
When applying, please include a cover letter, addressing the key selection criteria and an updated copy of your resume to jobs@vsk.org.au. We will review applications as they are received.
Registered nurses
Full and part time positions
We currently have an exciting opportunity for full and part-time Registered Nurses to join our team. If you are passionate about caring for children and are seeking more purpose, fulfilment, and connection in your everyday work – Very Special Kids might be your perfect fit.
The role is located at our purpose built Very Special Kids House, in Malvern. Our state-of-the-art hospice (including hydrotherapy pool) is a world class facility to support the complex needs of the children and young people in our care. You will enjoy one of Melbourne’s most unique purpose-built workplaces.
Working in our hospice, the Registered Nurse is responsible for:
– Ensuring all clinical nursing practice and delivery of care of the shift is consistent with Very Special Kids and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Standards, NSQHS Standards and accepts responsibility for professional activities that support service delivery and the professional development of self and others.
– Providing comprehensive, safe, evidence-based practice to facilitate optimal care; performing self-assessment of scope of practice and competence related to assigned responsibilities.
– Provision of high-quality care to the children and families accessing Very Special Kids House is demonstrated.
– Works effectively as a hands-on part of a skilled, creative, professional, and compassionate team.
Our preference is that you will be a Registered Nurse with at least 2 + years post-graduate Registered Nursing experience, however if you have less experience but have a passion for providing holistic, family centred care we welcome your application.
Click here for position description.
When applying, please include a cover letter, addressing the key selection criteria and an updated copy of your resume to jobs@vsk.org.au. We will review applications as they are received.
Community engagement coordinator
Full time position
We are seeking a passionate and relationship-focused Community Engagement Coordinator to join our Clinical Services team.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in increasing awareness of Very Special Kids services across Victoria, building strong partnerships with health professionals and community organisations, and helping more families access the support they need.
The role is flexible within Victoria, with potential to be based at Very Special Kids Malvern office or metropolitan and regional hubs. Regular travel across Victoria is required.
If you enjoy connecting with people, developing partnerships, promoting meaningful services, and making a tangible impact in communities, we’d love to hear from you.
The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for increasing awareness, understanding and access to Very Special Kids services across Victoria.
Working closely with healthcare providers, community organisations, schools and referral partners, you will strengthen referral pathways and help ensure children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, can access the support they need.
This role has a particular focus on regional Victoria and underserved communities, where awareness of paediatric palliative care and family support services may be limited.
Key responsibilities include:
– Building and maintaining strong relationships with health professionals, hospitals, schools, community organisations and referral partners.
– Developing and implementing engagement and outreach strategies across Victoria.
– Increasing awareness of Very Special Kids services, supports and referral pathways.
– Representing Very Special Kids at community events, health forums, conferences and stakeholder meetings.
– Delivering presentations and education sessions to a range of audiences.
– Strengthening engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
– Identifying opportunities to improve service awareness, access and participation.
– Monitoring referral trends and evaluating the impact of engagement activities.
– Contributing to service development initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
We are seeking an experienced relationship builder who is passionate about connecting children and families with the support they need.
You will bring:
– Tertiary qualifications in nursing, allied health, public health, health promotion or a related field.
– Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
– Strong communication, presentation and facilitation abilities.
– Experience developing and delivering community engagement, outreach or awareness-building initiatives.
– Ability to engage sensitively with children, families and communities experiencing grief, loss or complex needs.
– Knowledge of Victorian health, community services and referral systems.
– Strong organisational, project management and reporting skills.
– Current Victorian Driver’s License and willingness to travel throughout Victoria.
Highly regarded:
– Experience in paediatric health, palliative care, disability, family services, or community health.
– Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
– Experience engaging in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Click here for position description.
When applying, please include a cover letter outlining your experience and how it aligns with the requirements of the role, along with an updated copy of your resume to jobs@vsk.org.au. We will review applications as they are received.
