Student placements are offered to tertiary students who, as a requirement of their course, are required to complete a vocational placement. Vocational placements are a particular type of placement that is observed by the Fair Work Act 2009. Individuals undertaking vocational placements are expressly excluded from the definition of employee for the purpose of the Fair Work Act and are lawfully unpaid.  

We offer tertiary student placements in the following areas;

• Child Protection  
• Housing 
• Forensic Disability Services  
• Corporate Services  
• Community Services – other  

Eligibility Criteria:

The department accepts final year / final placement students completing a tertiary qualification (Diploma or above) which requires a field work placement in a related field, including (but not limited to):   

• Social Work  

• Psychology (or human behaviour related)   

• Community Services / Human Services   

Safety screening process:

As part of the application process, students must provide the following: 

• A valid police check certificate 

• Driver's license (P-plate minimum): required for most placements, except some areas of Housing and Corporate Services     

• Working with Children Check (WWCC): required for placements in Child Protection and Forensic Disability Services. This can be either a volunteer WWCC or an employee WWCC.  

• Photo ID: further photo ID may be required.  

• Statutory Declaration: students who have lived overseas for 12 months or longer during the past ten years must complete a statutory declaration (provided by the department).   

How to apply:

• Students must complete an online application by clicking ‘apply now'.  

• Applicants will be required to login (or create an account).   

• Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability and interest in a placement at the department.   

• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid visa.    

• Eligible applicants will be required to undertake a selection process including an online assessment centre or pre-placement interview. 

Please note: the application, selection and onboarding processes can take up to 12 weeks depending on the time of year.  

For more information on the eligibility criteria, areas of placement and application process, please visit Department of Families Fairness and Housing Victoria | Employment Programs and pathways (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/employment-programs-and-pathways).  

If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the student placement team <studentplacements@dffh.vic.gov.au>