Child Protection Practitioner

Child Protection Practitioner – Beginning Practice 

• Ongoing training and development opportunities 

• Generous renumeration and benefits 

• Attractive retention payments for identified regional locations 

Being a Child Protection Practitioner means making real change to the lives of others – keeping children safe and families strong. If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. 

About the role 

There are multiple opportunities available across out metro and regional office locations.  

Entry level roles for child protection practitioners allows you to gain an excellent experience across the child and family services system. You will be supported by your team and your supervisor in daily tasks and benefit from a structured and supportive learning program. 

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

• Receiving reports, conducting investigations, and intervening if it is assessed that a child needs care and protection, 

• Supervising children on child protection orders, including the transportation of children,  

• Delivering case practice and case management services for children and young people who are either living with family or in out of home care, 

• Determining case plans (including stability plans, cultural plans and therapeutic treatment plans) for the safety and wellbeing of children, and 

• 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.  

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.   

Who we are looking for 
 

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. A great deal of case work involves statutory investigation, analysis and critical thinking. 
 
You will bring an understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), plus understanding of the legislative, policy, and practice requirements relating to family violence and to families impacted by drug and/or alcohol abuse and can apply these skills in practice. 

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. 

 
For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please view the attached position description.  

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.                

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

About the recruitment process 

The below outlines the key dates and process for the Beginning Practice Child Protection Practitioner role: 

• Online psychometric and personality assessments are a mandatory component of the pre assessment screening. Should your application progress, you will receive an invitation to complete the necessary assessments.  

• Online assessment centre involving a case study review, group activity and written assessment will be held the week of 04 May 2026. You will receive advance notification should you progress to this stage. 

• 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.   

All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP). This training is designed to provide new employees with the necessary practice of knowledge and skills relating to the role. This is delivered online and in person with attendance in Melbourne required for some week blocks. Regional employees will be supported with travel and accommodation arrangements. 

How to Apply 

To work in child protection in Victoria, you must hold a relevant qualification in social work, welfare, psychology or community services. You can find out more at this link Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au . 

To avoid delays with your application, please ensure you attach the required documents including: 

• Current resume  

• Cover letter (1 page only)  

• Proof of your working rights for Australia (Copy of Visa (if applicable), a coloured passport copy)  

• Qualifications certificates:  

• Academic Transcript/s (Tertiary qualifications / Awards / USI / transcript)  

• Valid Driver Licence - (Must have full driving Privileges - No Learners Permits)   

There are multiple positions available across our metro and regional offices. When applying, you will be asked to nominate your first and second preferred office location to work form. Please ensure you select only those office locations you can work from. 

Applications will close midnight on Sunday 12 April 2026.