Senior Child Protection Practitioner

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) in Victoria seeks a Senior Child Protection Practitioner (CPP5.1). You will supervise team members, support complex case practice and lead in risk assessment, planning and case management to safeguard children and young people.

Travel, including in-country regions, and occasional overnight work may be required. A Worker with Children Check is mandatory; a deep understanding of Aboriginal culture and respectful engagement with Aboriginal

Qualifications

• Senior Practitioner CPP5.1 role with supervisory responsibilities.
• Ability to supervise team members and support practice development.
• Strong risk assessment, case planning and management capabilities.
• Commitment to Aboriginal culture and implementing relevant child protection frameworks.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel, including in-country regions; overnight and evening work may be required.
• Working with Children Check is required.

Responsibilities

• Risk assessment and analysis for safeguarding cases.
• Case planning review and management to support safety of children.
• Lead planning and management of issues in line with best practice.
• Standardised reporting and reflective practice.

Skills

Leadership

Risk assessment

Case management

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

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 INCLUDE

Critical assessment and reflection

• 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
• Standardised reporting: provides critical feedback and opportunities for development Reflective practice: facilitates reflective practice for team members

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

Applications close Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 11.59pm