Principal Practitioner

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) in Melbourne seeks a Principal Practitioner to strengthen child protection practice and lead family-centred, evidence-based approaches. The role conducts specialist assessments, case reviews, and maintains records for clients in care.

The Principal Practitioner will provide high level expertise, live supervision, and staff mentoring, driving practice development and continuous improvement across teams.

Qualifications

• Experience applying critical assessment and reflective practice in child protection settings.
• Strong ability to lead risk analysis and complex case planning.
• Ability to mentor staff and support practice development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct critical assessment and reflection to drive practice quality.
• Lead risk assessment and analysis across cases to support teams.
• Oversee case planning reviews and manage complex cases and appeals.
• Facilitate continuous improvement using evidence-based frameworks across programs.
• Produce standardised reports and oversee documentation integrity.

Skills

Critical thinking

Risk assessment

Leadership

Team collaboration

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.
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 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 INCLUDE

Critical assessment and reflection

Risk assessment and analysis: proactively identifies and analyses patterns associated with risk assessment and articulates this expert analysis to support and extends practitioner skills

Case planning review and case management: effectively makes decisions in context of review and appeals and analyses case management across the team

Critical 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 practice

Standardised 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-check

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

Applications close Monday 9 November 2026 at 11.59pm