THE ROLE

In the context of a whole of community approach, Child Protection Practice Leaders have a specific statutory role in protecting children and young people from harm and promoting their rights and healthy development. The Child Protection Navigator is a Practice Leader Position dedicated to the Family Preservation and Reunification Response. The Child Protection Navigator supports activation of the Response and right time, with the right people and in the right place to promote and protect the rights and best interests of children and young people. The Child Protection Navigator will model and enhance trauma informed, culturally safe and responsive practice that is child and family centred, relational and evidence-informed and integrated to improve outcomes of child safety, wellbeing and development. The Child Protection Navigator provides a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families and has a strong focus to develop a connected and coordinated practice culture and mindset shift of Response practitioners within child and family services and Child Protection practitioners working together.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Model leadership in a range of areas including expert knowledge of legislation, policy and procedure, Child and Family Reforms, child development and the application of the Best Interests Case Practice Model and the ability to think critically and analytically to achieve best outcomes for children and families.
• Engage relevant data and undertake active work with local Area, Child Protection teams and Response teams to identify the right children and families in focus for the Response. This may include joined visits with the Response practitioners and allocated child protection practitioners to promote quality risk assessment and support rationale development for children and families eligible for the Response.
• Promote strengthened practices with ACSASS, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) to support cultural safety and inclusion for Aboriginal children and families in the delivery of the Response.
• Works collaboratively with the Response Practitioners and Child Protection, and other stakeholders to strengthen connected and coordinated case practice approaches and service delivery in relation to the specified groups of children and families for the Response.
• Implement mutual reflective practice forums, communities of practice and other staff development strategies for child and family service practitioners of the Response and Child Protection Practitioners through shared approaches.
• Participate in strategic and operational governance mechanisms in relation to the Response
• Carry a limited caseload commensurate with other duties.

Please open the position description to read more.

COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.

HOW TO APPLY

All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) <https://jse.vic.gov.au/user/login?destination=/new-home-page> portal.

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.