Principal Practice Adviser - Child Protection

THE ROLE

The aim of the Principal Practice Adviser is to strengthen the skills and knowledge of child protection practitioners and build a child-focussed family-centred practice culture that integrates evidence from research and critical reflection. The Principal Practice Adviser will undertake specialist assessments, interventions and case reviews

The Principal Practice Adviser will provide high level expertise and offer secondary consultation and live supervision; facilitate staff mentoring and practice development; and provide leadership in the implementation of continuous improvement strategies based on clinical best practice.

The role supports the Child Protection program, including a dedicated focus on providing court practice advice and support as part of a small team that operates to enhance the more effective management of Children's Court matters. The role requires someone who is knowledgeable about and experienced in the Child Protection program, experienced in and passionate about court practice, outcomes focussed and comfortable working with project timeframes, milestones and deliverables. The role has managerial and leadership responsibilities for a small team.

The team provides specific advice and support to child protection practitioners and managers, on court related practice and interface with the Children's Court of Victoria and regional Magistrates Courts. Advice and support are provided through a consultation service that considers matters already subject to a Children's Court application or order, as well as those matters where statutory proceedings are being considered. The team seeks to:

• support earlier and more consistent involvement in decision making and case presentation to improve child protection practice and performance in court
• support preparation for Readiness Hearings
• provide advice on areas of practice with a family that could be further explored prior to commencing statutory proceedings (for example referrals to services, different ways of working to build safety, ensuring that there is sufficient evidence for the application)
• support child protection practitioners and managers to be clear about the issues and rationale for their application and recommendations, and be prepared for giving evidence
• provide a pre-court dual legal and practice focussed advice service for child protection practitioners that will improve the experience of child protection practitioners in court.

You will possess an understanding of Aboriginal culture and demonstrate an understanding of the legislative, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities, including the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and the programs and initiatives that support its implementation in child protection practice.

The role requires periodic travel to regional and rural areas within Victoria, including overnight stays.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

1. Expert understanding and ability to embed the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic) in practice, including the core responsibilities and principles of the Act. 
2. Works confidently with families and exhibits expert understanding of the legislative, policy, and practice requirements relating to family violence and to families impacted by drug and/or alcohol abuse and is able to apply these skills in practice.

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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.