Senior Child Protection Practitioner: Lead Safe Futures

Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing program

Health program

Clothing allowance

Flexible hours

Annual leave 20d

Personal leave 15d

Regional benefits

Job summary

Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Child Protection Practitioner for the Western Melbourne Area. The role involves supervising team members within a structured learning program, managing a caseload alongside supervisory duties, and travel using Department vehicles to support child protection work.

Applicants must hold a valid driver35s licence, be willing to travel including in-country regions, and may work overnight or travel during

Qualifications

• Valid driver35s licence and willingness to travel, including in-country regions.
• Supervision of team members and ability to provide guidance within a structured learning program.

Responsibilities

• Assist others to reflect on interpersonal interactions, encouraging self-reflection to enhance relationships and communication
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the team, colleagues and other stakeholders
• Develop and coach others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis
• Provide case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk
• Lead planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements

Job description

Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC – Melbourne VIC

Senior Child Protection Practitioner roles in Western Melbourne Area:

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. Department vehicles are used to support this role.

• assist others to reflect on interpersonal interactions, encouraging self-reflection to enhance relationships and communication
• establish and maintain strong relationships with the team, colleagues and other stakeholders
• develop and coach others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis
• provide case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk
• lead planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements

Clickhereto access the PositionDescription,(option to download to word available)

• CommencementSalary of $116,413 to $128,631 per annum (plus superannuation)
• Access to free Child protection wellbeing program (CPWP) and child protection health program (CPHP) designed to support the wellbeing of child protection staff
• Generous leave provisions, 20 days of annual leave, 15 days of personal/carers leave, an extra 5 days of additional leave after 12 months of service
• Child Protection Practice Induction Program delivered over 5 weeks, to equip new starts with the necessary practice knowledge and skills
• Regional benefits, retention allowance of $2,500 for child protection practitioners that live in certain regional locations. Find out more here Regional Benefits
• Flexibility work arrangements, flexible start and finish times, condensed working arrangements, part-time options and more
• An annual clothing allowance of $650

DFFH welcomes applications from suitably qualified temporary visa holders. Successful candidates may be eligible for employer sponsorship under SID482 visa. More information at Child protection jobs - Child protection jobs – international recruitment | vic.gov.au

Skills and experience required:

How to Apply:

Click the' Apply' button, you will be directed to our platform where you willbe requiredto create an account if you do not already have one.

Applications are open from 28h September 2026 and close at 11:59pm on 26 October 2026

Please ensure you have uploaded Mandatory Application Documents (Your application will not be progressed without these documents)

• Resume
• Proof of your working rights for Australia (passport and/or a copy of a valid visa)
• Official academic transcript or USI statement

* If you have full registration or membership with a Social Work Board or Association within or outside Australia, please attach a copy.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Relevant pre-employment screening andreference checks will berequired.

Successful candidatesare required toattend 5 weekmandatorypractice induction program.

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format, please contact us.

Salaries and Benefits–Regional Benefits-Recruitment Journey-Office Locations

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