Child Protection, Practice Leader (Marram-Ngala Ganbu)

THE ROLE

The Practice Leader (Marram-Ngala Ganbu) Child Protection is responsible for providing expert case advice and case management to Aboriginal children and families with active matters before the Marram-Ngala Ganbu (Koori Family Hearing Day) within metro court locations. Marram-Ngala Ganbu seeks to provide a more effective, culturally appropriate, and just response for families through a court process that enables greater participation by family members and culturally informed decisions. The role works closely with child protection practitioners, legal practitioners, court staff and Magistrates. The Practice Leader assists the child protection workforce to prepare matters for court hearings and is a key voice of the department in court when matters are being heard.

The role will require leadership and demonstration of expertise through direct engagement with children, young people, families, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Aboriginal-led Family Decision Making (AFLDM) conveners and a range of other internal and external stakeholders to promote the achievement of case plan objectives. A core requirement of this role includes a case carrying component, commensurate with other responsibilities.

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, Statement of Recognition Act and the recognition principles, and the programs and initiatives that support its implementation in child protection practice.

The transportation of children is a requirement of this role, as such a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel, including in country regions is essential. There may be the requirement to work overnight and, travel in evenings and early mornings. On occasions, additional hours may be required to ensure the wellbeing of children.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

1. Risk assessment and analysis: provides support, guidance and advice to the broader sector and community partners/stakeholders. Further develops and coach's others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis.
2. Case planning review and case management: directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk to the child.
3. Critical inquiry: leads planning, review, and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements
   Please open the position description to read more.

Practice Induction Program (PIP)

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.

This role requires a Working with Children Check. 
Further advice on obtaining this check can be found here: Working with Children Check 
For more information on what this means, and all other requirements, please see the Position Description.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. 
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

Working with Children Check

The Working with Children Check is a screening process for assessing or re-assessing people who work with or care for children in Victoria.