CPP3 Child Protection Practitioner - Outer Gippsland - Bairnsdale & Sale

A hidden Gem - Outer Gippsland

Outer Gippsland offers access to nature, be it rivers, bushland, beach or snow, and a strong sense of community. You'll find some of Victoria's finest offerings – from restaurants and cafes to scenic mountain ranges, pristine beaches, beautiful wetlands, temperate rainforests and many other beautiful places, the best of nature is right at your fingertips in the heart of Gippsland.

Click the link for a 1-minute video of showcasing the very best of Gippsland. Or spend a little more time viewing the 10-minute video showing all of Gippsland's hidden wonders.

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 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. 

Beginning Child Protection Practitioner (CPP3)

Entry level roles for child protection practitioners allows you to gain an excellent experience across the child and family services system. You will manage a variety of cases and issues increasing in complexity with your experience, while changing the immediate future of at-risk children and their families.  

Key responsibilities for Beginning Child Protection Practitioner (CPP3), include but are not limited to: 

• Undertaking risk assessment, including assessment and investigation of reports to child protection 
• Planning, implementing and reviewing case plans and case work tasks to address identified risks 
• Coordinating and negotiating services for children and young people 
• Providing or arranging practical and emotional support to children, young people and families 
• Where necessary, taking matters to the Children's Court to ensure the safety of children or young people and supervising orders made by the Children's Court.

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. 

More information on the benefits in working with child protection can be found on our webpage Department of Families Fairness and Housing Victoria | Child protection 

For further information about these roles please visit the Child protection jobs - position descriptions | vic.gov.au. 

Assessment Stages and Key Dates: 

Eligible CPP3 applicants are required to participate in a one-way video interview.  If shortlisted for a CPP3, you will be required to undertake online psychometric and personality assessments by a set date. 

Anticipated Online Assessment Centres: Assessment centres are projected to take place late July 2025.

Commencement Dates: 

• All new child protection employees to the department are required to complete one week of mandatory online training modules from 22 September 2025.
• A mandatory full time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP) will commence on  30 September 2025.   

PIP is designed to provide new staff to the child protection program with the necessary practice knowledge and skills relating to the role. Successful candidates will be required to attend the PIP in person in Melbourne, with accommodation, travel and meals included.  

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.     

Qualifications eligibility

If you have social work, welfare, psychology related qualification and/or relevant experience, you may be eligible for a CPP3 role.

Stream 1 – Accredited qualifications or memberships

Qualifications accredited or full membership with any of the following:

• Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Community Work Australia
• Australian Psychologist Accreditation Council (APAC)

Stream 2 – Combination of relevant qualifications and work experience

• Must have studied units on child development (comprising physical, genetic, cognitive, social, cultural and emotional development stages, and other topics including attachment theory, language acquisition and moral understanding).
• Must have studied units onhuman behaviour (that is, how behaviour is shaped by biology, learned experiences, cognitive, cultural, social and emotional development).
• Must have studied or have 12 months' work in depth experience in family dynamics, impacts of trauma, relevant case work and counselling, alcohol and other drugs, abuse and family/domestic violence, risk theories and assessments, community services sector experience, working with Aboriginal children, families and communities.

How to Apply:   

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

You Resume, Cover letter, if there is a VISA a coloured passport copy, Tertiary qualifications / awards / USI / transcript is required so we can assess your application.

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.