Advanced Child Protection Practitioner - Community Based

Advanced Child Protection Practitioner - Community Based - Footscray

THE ROLE

The Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based) is an outposted child protection position that will work as a part of a team from the Support and Safety Hub (Hubs) in the local area. The position will report to the Team Manager (Support and Safety Hubs). The position will be required to, at times, attend the local Child Protection office for child protection related activities and meetings. The position will work collaboratively with services to support earlier and more effective intervention to vulnerable children, young people and their families and, where required, support the engagement of families with services. Work will include direct involvement with unborn children, when there is a high likelihood of child protection intervention post birth. The position will also be required to contribute to the development and delivery of community education to agencies regarding child protection statutory processes and responsibilities.

What we are looking for: 

We're looking for professionals who are confident and resilient, 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. 

As an Advanced Child Protection Practitioner, it is expected you will have a minimum two years' experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare involving case management. 

You will have advanced working knowledge of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), including 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.  

We welcome applications from suitably qualified temporary visa holders. Successful candidates may be eligible for employer sponsorship under SID482 visa. More information available at Child protection jobs – international recruitment | 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.                

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 Advanced 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 form. 

Applications will close midnight on Sunday 12 April 2026.