Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) 2027 - Applications Open

Join the 2027 intake and gain real experience working in child protection.  

The Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) is a paid 12-week full-time or 16-week part-time program that is an entry pathway to a Child Protection Practitioner (CPP) role. It gives final year students (who will graduate by December 2027) in social work and related fields the experience of what it's like to work in child protection. 

Working in child protection  

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. Child protection work is rewarding, fulfilling, challenging, and demanding. We are looking for professionals who are confident and resilient, with a strong sense of social justice. You must be empathetic and open to change when working collaboratively with families and other professionals. While there is a need for the understanding of therapy-based skills and referrals to these services, a great deal of case work involves statutory investigation, analysis, and critical thinking. 

Key responsibilities 

The work in child protection is varied. In this role, and working under the direction of an experienced practitioner, there is an opportunity to rotate through different areas of child protection. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: 

• supervising access visits between children and their families 

• transporting children to services and visits using government vehicles, sometimes travelling distances 

• supporting the provision of in-home support to families 
• documenting case notes. 

Program details: 

• Full time or part-time options are available: you can nominate to complete the program 12 weeks full time or 16-week part time. Part time means working 3 or 4 days per week.  

• Locations available: there are opportunities across both metropolitan and regional Victoria. You will be required to select your preferred work location(s) when you apply. To check the full list of locations, visit: Locations | Child Protection Jobs - DFFH 

• Commencement date: successful applicants will need to be available to commence on Monday 8 February to attend the online orientation. 

Want to know more about what the program has to offer? An online information session will be delivered Wednesday 14 October at 11:00-12:00. To register: Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) Information Session 2027 

CPEP/CPP2 Salary 

You will be earning a salary equivalent of $64,624 plus superannuation (pro rata) for the 12 or 16 weeks. 

Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining the relevant qualifications, participants may progress into an entry-level qualified child protection practitioner role at the CPP3 level, if there is a vacancy. Commencement salaries effective 1 May 2027: CPP3.1: $ 83,941 ( diploma qualification entry level) and CPP3.2: $87,539 (degree qualification entry level) Child protection jobs - salaries and benefits | vic.gov.au 

Program eligibility 

For the 2027 program, applicants need to:  

• be studying a social work, welfare, psychology related qualification, and/or relevant experience (see qualification eligibility - Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au) 

• be in their final year of study at commencement (due to complete their relevant qualification by December 2027) 

• to be available to work 3 to 5 days per week (7 hours and 36 minutes per day) for the duration of the program 

• hold a valid, current Australian driver's licence 

• be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident of Australia, or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position (see requirements below) and 

• have (or be prepared to obtain) an employee Working with Children Check. 

Our recruitment process    

• Shortlisted candidates are required to undertake psychometric assessments followed by attending a virtual online assessment centre in November 2026.   

• Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.  

How to Apply      

Click the' Apply' button, and you will be directed to our platform where you will be required to create an account if you do not already have one.     

Applications close at :  11:59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026. 

Please ensure you have uploaded Mandatory Application Documents in PDF colour. Your application will not be progressed without these documents. 

1. Resume. 

1. Proof of your working rights for Australia - (passport and/or copy of valid visa). 

1. Official Academic Transcript of USI statement (or unofficial transcript if still completing their qualification) as part of your application.  

1. Qualifications certificate*   

1. Drivers licence.  

* If you have full registration or membership with a Social Work Board or Association within or outside Australia, please attach a copy.  

Please note: 

• due to the large volume of applicants, the recruitment timelines for the program are extensive.  

• if you do not attach the correct documentation, your application will not be considered.  

Important Information     

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format, please contact us.   

Salaries and Benefits – Regional Benefits -  Recruitment Journey - Office Locations   

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)