Child Protection Employment Program (Cpep) 2027 - Applications Open

Dffh Child Protection Practitioner; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria is offering the Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) in Victoria. This paid intake targets final-year students in social work or related fields, providing hands-on experience in child protection and an entry route to a CPP role.

The program runs 12 weeks full-time or 16 weeks part-time, with opportunities across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Commencement is February 8, 2027, and an information session is available on October 14,

Qualifications

• Be studying a social work, welfare, psychology related qualification.
• Be in final year of study to graduate by December 2027.
• Available to work 3–5 days per week during the program.
• Hold a valid Australian driver’s licence.
• Be an Australian Citizen, NZ Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have a valid work visa.
• Have (or be prepared to obtain) an Employee Working with Children Check.

Responsibilities

• Supervising access visits between children and their families.
• Transporting children to services and visits using government vehicles.
• Supporting the provision of in-home support to families.
• Documenting case notes.
• Program details: 12 weeks full time or 16 weeks part time; locations across metropolitan and regional Victoria; commence 8 February; information session 14 October.

Skills

Empathy and compassion

Adaptability

Analytical thinking

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Final-year student in social work or related field

Job description

Join the 2027 intake and gain real experience working in child protection. The Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) is a paid 12-week full-time or 16-week part-time program that is an entry pathway to a Child Protection Practitioner (CPP) role. It gives final-year students (who will graduate by December 2027) in social work and related fields the experience of what it’s like to work in child protection.

Working in child protection If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. Child protection work is rewarding, fulfilling, challenging, and demanding. We are 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. While there is a need for the understanding of therapy-based skills and referrals to these services, a great deal of case work involves statutory investigation, analysis, and critical thinking.

Key responsibilities

• supervising access visits between children and their families
• transporting children to services and visits using government vehicles, sometimes travelling distances
• supporting the provision of in-home support to families
• documenting case notes

Program details

• Full time or part time options are available: you can nominate to complete the program 12 weeks full time or 16-week part time. Part time means working 3 or 4 days per week.
• Locations available: there are opportunities across both metropolitan and regional Victoria. You will be required to select your preferred work location(s) when you apply. To check the full list of locations, visit: Locations | Child Protection Jobs - DFFH
• Commencement date: successful applicants will need to be available to commence on Monday 8 February to attend the online orientation.
• Want to know more about what the program has to offer? An online information session will be delivered Wednesday 14 October at 11:00-12:00. To register: Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) Information Session 2027 CPEP/CPP2

Salary

You will be earning a salary equivalent of $64,624 plus superannuation (pro rata) for the 12 or 16 weeks. Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining the relevant qualifications, participants may progress into an entry-level qualified child protection practitioner role at the CPP3 level, if there is a vacancy.

Commencement salaries effective 1 May 2027: CPP3.1: $ 83,941 ( diploma qualification entry level) and CPP3.2: $87,539 (degree qualification entry level)

Program eligibility

• be studying a social work, welfare, psychology related qualification, and/or relevant experience (see qualification eligibility - Child protection jobs – requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au)
• be in their final year of study at commencement (due to complete their relevant qualification by December 2027)
• to be available to work 3 to 5 days per week (7 hours and 36 minutes per day) for the duration of the program
• hold a valid, current Australian driver’s licence
• be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident of Australia, or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position (see requirements below) and
• have (or be prepared to obtain) an employee Working with Children Check.

Recruitment process

• Shortlisted candidates are required to undertake psychometric assessments followed by attending a virtual online assessment centre in November 2026.
• Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Important Information

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format, please contact us.

Salaries and Benefits - Regional Benefits - Recruitment Journey - Office Locations 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)