Operational Policy & Practice Manager, Child Safety Schemes

Social Services Regulator; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) in Victoria is seeking a Senior Child Protection Practitioner at CPP5.1 level. You will supervise a team, collaborate with the Team Manager to strengthen case practice, and support plans to improve safety and outcomes for children and young people.

Role involves travel, in-country regional work, possible overnight hours, and attendance at a Practice Induction Program (PIP).

Qualifications

• Working with Children Check required.
• Five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP) for new employees, delivered online and in person in Melbourne.
• Understanding Aboriginal culture and the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
• Ability to travel to regional areas, including in-country regions; driver’s licence required.
• May require overnight work and travel in evenings and early mornings.
• Supervisory responsibilities with a caseload commensurate to supervision duties.

Responsibilities

• Supervise team members in daily tasks through a structured learning program.
• Collaborate with Team Manager to strengthen case practice and service delivery.
• Develop plans to ensure safety, stability, and development of children and young people.
• Contribute to risk assessment, case planning, and review in accordance with best practice and legislation.

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people’s homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

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 contact person listed on the ad.

The Role

To be an effective Senior Child Protection Practitioner, you will have a strong sense of social justice and understand that families are complex, with their own unique histories. Importantly, you will be able to collaborate with the Team Manager to strengthen case practice, provide effective service delivery and to support other practitioners in the development of plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people.

At the CPP5.1 Senior Practitioner level, you will supervise team members in daily tasks through a structured and supportive learning program. This role will hold a caseload commensurate with supervisory responsibilities.

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.

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.

Accountabilities

• Risk assessment and analysis: further develops and coach's others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis
• Case planning review and case management: provides case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk to the child
• Critical inquiry: leads planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements

Requirements

This role requires a Working with Children Check.

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 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.

Company Culture

We are committed to creating equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Location

3001 Melbourne