Principal Practitioner

Victorian Government - Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing; City of Bayside; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Victorian Government - Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is seeking a Principal Practitioner to strengthen child protection practice by integrating research with frontline work. The role conducts specialist assessments, case reviews, and supervision while visiting families and professionals involved with clients.

The successful candidate will lead practice development, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement using evidence-based frameworks.

Qualifications

• High level analytical capability and experience in child protection practice.
• Ability to translate evidence into practice improvements.
• Strong mentoring and staff development skills.

Responsibilities

• Critically assess and reflect on practice to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Lead risk assessment and analysis to identify patterns and inform decision making.
• Review and manage cases, including appeals and compliance with records.

Skills

Critical thinking

Risk assessment

Case management

Leadership

Job description

THE ROLEThe aim of the Principal Practitioner is to strengthen the skills and knowledge of child protection practitioners and build a child-focussed family-centred practice culture that integrates evidence from research and critical reflection. The Principal Practitioner will undertake specialist assessments and interventions, case reviews, appeals and maintain case records, visit children, their parents, families and carers, and other professionals involved with clients of Child Protection.The Principal Practitioner will provide high level expertise and offer secondary consultation and live supervision; facilitate staff mentoring and practice development; and provide leadership in the implementation of continuous improvement strategies based on clinical best practice.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 INCLUDECritical assessment and reflectionRisk assessment and analysis: proactively identifies and analyses patterns associated with risk assessment and articulates this expert analysis to support and extends practitioner skillsCase planning review and case management: effectively makes decisions in context of review and appeals and analyses case management across the teamCritical inquiry: implements strategies for continuous improvement in using evidence-based frameworks across teams, programs and practice; displays broad thinking, drawing on research and literature to support evidence-informed practiceStandardised reporting: has expertise in utilising information for the purpose of providing and interpreting standardised reports.Reflective Practice: promotes practice quality and consistency through practical solutions to time-management issues and prioritising reflective practice for practitioners.Please 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-checkPractice Induction Program (PIP)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 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.For 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.