Advanced Child Protection Practitioner - After Hours Services

Advanced Child Protection Practitioner - After Hours Services (AHS)

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 Advanced level to join our After-Hours teams. (AHS)

Child protection work is interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling, 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!

As part of the After-Hours team you will work to a structured rostered model and provide response and emergency outreach visits as required to all child protection matters that are received outside core business hours; at night, on weekends and on public holidays and will be entitled to applicable penalty rates and allowances.

We have multiple opportunities in Bendigo, Morwell, Bairnsdale, Wangaratta, Shepparton: (You will be required to select your office location preference when applying.)

• Ongoing, Full time
• Ongoing, Part time (0.26 FTE)
• Ongoing and Fixed term, Part time (0.74 FTE)

The part time 0.26 FTE positions will be required to work 20 hours per fortnight with a fixed roster of 3pm to 1am on Saturday and Sunday. This roster schedule attracts excellent penalties in accordance with the VPS Enterprise Agreement provisions. There may be scope to pick up additional shift vacancies for those looking to increase their hours, dependant on availability.

Working in child protection in a regional location is a unique opportunity. It offers a different experience and sense of pride knowing that you are having a positive impact on children and families in your community where you live. You will benefit from access to ongoing learning, development and career opportunities, tailored wellbeing and support programs, flexible work arrangements and generous leave provisions including an additional 5 days annual leave and substitute leave for public holidays.

Salaries:  Current salary ranges (based on full time rosters and excluding 12% superannuation)

CPP4 $97,955 to $111,142

In addition to the salary received, other financial incentives include:

• four annual wage increases of 3% over the life of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024.
• salary sacrificing options including vehicle novated leases and private health insurance
• annual clothing allowance paid on 1 July of $650 (pro rata for part-time employees)

Child protection work is rewarding, fulfilling, challenging and demanding. We're 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.

You can read more about child protection on our website.

Child protection retention allowance

You may be eligible for a retention payment , find out more by visiting this link Child protection jobs - regional benefits | vic.gov.au

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.       

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

To apply for an 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.

Please refer to 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.     

Assessment Stages and Key Dates

If shortlisted , you will be required to undertake online psychometric and personality assessments as below: 

• 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 training 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: Please read about requirements and eligibility prior to applying. Working in child protection requires mandatory minimum qualifications.  

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

• Resume
• Cover Letter (1 page only): (Please mention hours you prefer to work 0.26/0.74/full time)
• Proof of your working rights for Australia (Copy of Visa (if on a VISA), a coloured passport copy)
• Qualifications certificate
• Academic Transcript/s (Tertiary qualifications / Awards / USI / transcript )
• Driver Licence

Applications close 09 Nov 2025

For further information please refer to the attached position descriptions or contact Michelle Ferran on 0458 079 331