Senior Child Protection Practitioner

The role

Mutiple opportunities are available across the state in both metro and regional locations, you will be able to select your office preference as part of the application process.

If you're passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people, a career in child protection is for you. As an essential worker, you'll have an opportunity to make real changes in communities, keeping children and young people safe and supporting stronger families, and protecting future generations.

To be an effective Senior Child Protection Practitioner, you will have a strong sense of social justice and understand that families are complex, with their own unique histories. Importantly, you will be able to collaborate with the Team Manager to strengthen case practice, provide effective service delivery and to support other practitioners in the development of plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people.

At the CPP5.1 Senior Practitioner level, you will supervise team members in daily tasks through a structured and supportive learning program. This role will hold a caseload commensurate with supervisory responsibilities.

The transportation of children is a requirement of this role, as such a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel, including in country regions is essential. There may be the requirement to work overnight and, travel in evenings and early mornings. On occasions, additional hours may be required to ensure the wellbeing of children. Department vehilces are used to support this role.

Key responsibilities for Senior Child Protection Practitioner, include:

• assist others to reflect on interpersonal interactions, encouraging self-reflection to enhance relationships and communication
• establish and maintain strong relationships with the team, colleagues and other stakeholders
• develop and coach others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis
• provide case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk
• lead planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements

See position description for further detail about the role. You can read more about child protection on our website.

Why work for child protection

Read more about the benefits of joining child protection.

Along with an annual salary of $116,413 - $128,631 and 12% superannuation you will receive:

• annual clothing allowance of $650, pro rata for part-time employees
• yearly annual wage increases of 3 per cent over the life of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024
• 20 days of annual leave, 15 days of personal/carer's leave and an extra 5 days of annual leave after 12 months of service
• dedicated and free wellbeing and support program designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of child protection practitioners and their immediate family
• regional retention allowance for eligible employees of $2,500 paid twice yearly
• relocation support may also be available for employees moving from interstate.
• DFFH welcomes applications from suitably qualified temporary visa holders. Successful candidates may be eligible for employer sponsorship under SID482 visa. More information available at Child protection jobs - international recruitment | vic.gov.au

To work in child protection, you will need:

• an Australian driver's license, and the legal right to work in Australia
• 4+ years' work experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare. Read more about Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au
• to hold the minimum relevant diploma level qualifications. We are looking for people with social work, welfare, or psychology qualifications. Read more about our qualification requirements
• to hold or obtain a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• to complete a National Crime Check before you start

Are you ready to join us? If you're ready to take the next step in your career apply online and provide the following documents in word format or PDF only:

• a current resume/CV and a one-page cover letter
• copies of your relevant qualifications, including transcripts as specified in your resume/CV
• a copy of your visa and coloured copy of your passport, if applicable.

To help you prepare, the recruitment journey is outlined here: Child protection jobs - recruitment journey | vic.gov.au

Practice Induction Program (PIP) - All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP). This is delivered online and in person with attendance in Melbourne required for some week blocks. Regional employees will be supported with travel and accommodation arrangements.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.