Practice Leader (Child Protection Navigator)

Victorian Government - Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is seeking a Child Protection Navigator – Practice Leader. This role activates the Response with the right people, at the right time, to safeguard children and young people.

It models trauma‑informed, culturally safe, child and family‑centred practice and leads a connected practice culture across teams. The position includes a case carrying component, potential travel in regional Victoria, overnight work as needed, and a

Qualifications

• Experience in child protection practice and leadership.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments and case management.
• Understanding Aboriginal culture and relevant legislative requirements.
• Willingness to travel, including in-country regions, and possible overnight work.
• Working with Children Check required.

Responsibilities

• Lead risk assessment, planning and case management activities.
• Facilitate case practice quality audits and reflective forums.
• Promote trauma-informed, culturally safe, and family-centered practice.
• Travel as required and work flexible hours to safeguard children.

Job description

THE ROLEThe Child Protection Navigator is a Practice Leader Position dedicated to the Family Preservation and Reunification Response. The Child Protection Practice Leader 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 Practice Leader 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.The role may also undertake case practice quality audits and provide regular practice forums and reflective practice sessions. A requirement of this role includes a case carrying component, commensurate with other 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 INCLUDERisk assessment and analysis: authorises plans and decisions in relation to risk assessment, analysis and mitigation/interventionCase planning review and case management: leads planning, review and management of their own and team members' case workCritical inquiry: leads planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirementsPlease open the position description to read more.This role requires a Working with Children Check.Further advice on obtaining this check can be found here: https://www.vic.gov.au/working-with-children-checkFor more information on what this means, and all other requirements, please see the Position Description.HOW TO APPLYApplicants 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.