Advanced Child Protection Practitioner - Regional Victoria

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? 

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing are seeking dedicated Child Protection Practitioner's at an Advanced  level to join our teams in Regional Victoria .

Child protection work is interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling and involves therapeutic and analytical skills. You will be working in collaboration with families, Community Sector Organisations and professionals to develop and implement effective plans for children. You will be part of a great team that values collaboration and support.  We offer access to excellent learning and development opportunities and a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued. 

If you are ready to make a difference and meet the challenges of this rewarding role, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications

To work in child protection in Victoria, you must hold a relevant qualification in social work, welfare, psychology or community services as explained at this link Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au  and ensure you understand and meet the legislated minimum qualification, experience and other requirements of the role prior to submitting your application.

To apply for a Advanced Child Protection Practitioner role, it is expected you will have a minimum of two years relevant experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare involving case management, along with the required qualifications.  (Read more about our qualification requirements )

What is involved? 

You will bring your suitable experience to strengthen your strong sense of social justice and understanding that families are complex, with their own unique histories. You will work with more complex cases and situations and operate with an increased level of autonomy appropriate for the role. 

Key responsibilities for Advanced Child Protection Practitioner, include but are not limited to:

• Conducting risk assessments and investigations
• Managing complex cases, problem solving and presenting matters to the Children's Court of Victoria as required
• Being responsible for supporting and developing Beginning Child Protection Practitioners in the integration of theory and practice while demonstrating your expertise through case practice
• Determining case plans (including stability plans, cultural plans and therapeutic treatment plans) for the safety and wellbeing of children, and
• Delivering case practice and case management services for children and young people who are either living with family or placed in out of home care.

You can read more about child protection on our website. 

Benefits of a career in Child Protection 

As a Victorian government employee, you will have access to a broad range of benefits and entitlements. These include access to professional development opportunities through training programs, peer support networks and access to a dedicated and free wellbeing and a support program specifically designed to support our child protection employee's mental health and wellbeing. Learn about the benefits and entitlements of being a child protection practitioner.               

Locations: Outer Gippsland areas: Sale, Bairnsdale.

Please ensure you are selecting the correct location as first and second preference in the application ( select only from the regional locations above)

Regional Bonus Benefit: Under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024, eligible child protection practitioners may also be eligible to receive a retention allowance. Click here to find out more

Assessment Stages and Key Dates

Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you will be invited to attend a virtual assessment centre where you will complete two assessments being a written case study and a group activity. 

• Anticipated online Assessment Centres: Week commencing 08 December 2025.  (final dates will be advised to progressing candidates)
• Commencement Dates: All new child protection employees to the department are required to complete one week of mandatory online training modules from 05 January 2026 / 16 February 2026. 
• Following this, it is mandatory to attend the full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP) commencing on Tuesday 13 January 2026 / 24 February 2026.   PIP is designed to provide new staff to the child protection program with the necessary practice of knowledge and skills relating to the role. 

Successful candidates will be required to attend the PIP in person in Melbourne, (Travel/accommodation arrangements may be included for regional candidates.)

Note: preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening including national police check, international police check (if required), misconduct screening, qualification checks and two professional reference checks.

How to Apply:   To submit your application please click on the Apply for this Job button at the bottom of the page.

Please refer to Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au prior to submitting your application to ensure your application is complete. 

Mandatory Application Documents (Your application will not be progressed without these documents)

• Resume
• Cover Letter (1 page only)
• Proof of your working rights for Australia (Copy of Visa (if on a VISA), a coloured passport copy)
• Qualifications certificates:
• Academic Transcript/s (Tertiary qualifications / Awards / USI / transcript )
• Valid Driver Licence - (Must have full driving Privileges  -  thus No Learners Permits) 

   

Applications close 08 Feb 2026