Practice Leader (Sexual Exploitation)

Victorian Government; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria invites applications for a Child Protection Practice Leader (Sexual Exploitation) to provide expert clinical leadership and guidance to Child Protection Practitioners and key partners.

The role includes a case-carrying component, case management oversight, and capability building to improve safety, stability and development of children and young people.

Qualifications

• Working with Children Check required.
• Case carrying component in role.

Responsibilities

• Risk assessment and analysis: provide guidance to partners and stakeholders.
• Case planning review and case management: support high-risk cases.
• Critical inquiry: lead planning and management of issues per best practice and legislation.

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/556527

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. 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)

THE ROLE

The Child Protection Practice Leader (Sexual Exploitation) plays a critical role in the protection of children and young people from sexual exploitation and is responsible for providing expert practice advice and leadership; supporting and developing Child Protection Practitioners and other key partners in the integration of theory and practice while demonstrating expertise through case management interventions, systems development and relationship building, and bringing about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people. A core requirement of this role includes a case carrying component, commensurate with other responsibilities.

A key purpose of this role is to more effectively identify children at risk of sexual exploitation, work with Victoria Police to prevent it, and support young people to recover.

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 INCLUDE

• 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.
• Case planning review and case management: 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.

Practice Induction Program (PIP)

All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-weekPractice 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: https://www.vic.gov.au/working-with-children-check

For more information on what this means, and all other requirements, please see the Position Description.

Please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Applications close Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 11.59pm