Senior Child Protection Practitioner, Outer Eastern Melbourne Area

Victorian Government; Victoria; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual clothing allowance

Flexible work arrangements

Regional benefits

Job summary

State Government of Victoria – Department of Families, Fairness and Housing seeks a Senior Child Protection Practitioner for the Outer Eastern Melbourne Area. The role involves supervising a team, managing a caseload with supervisory responsibilities, and ensuring safety and development for children and young people.

The position requires travel, a valid driver’s licence, WWCC clearance, and may include some after-hours work. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Preferred candidates will have a social work, welfare, psychology related qualification and/or relevant experience.
• 4+ years' work experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare.
• A valid driver's license (licence) is required.
• Hold or obtain a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Responsibilities

• Assist others to reflect on interpersonal interactions and strengthen relationships.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the team and stakeholders.
• Develop and coach others in risk assessment and analysis.
• Provide case planning advice and support to teams on high-risk cases.
• Lead planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice and legislation.

Skills

Social work background

Collaboration

Risk assessment

Communication

Education

Social work / welfare / psychology qualification

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)

Senior Child Protection Practitioner roles in Outer Eastern 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.

Key responsibilities for Senior Child Protection Practitioner, include:

• 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

Benefits:

• 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:

• Preferred candidates will have a social work, welfare, psychology relatedqualificationand/or relevant experience. Read more about our qualification requirements
• 4+ years' work experience inchild protection and/or child, youth and family welfare. Read more about Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au
• A valid driver's license (learner's permit not acceptable)
• Hold or obtain a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC)

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)
• Qualifications certificate*
• Official academic transcript or USI statement
• Driver licence

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

Important Information:

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 weekmandatory practice 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

Applications close Monday 26 October 2026 at 11.59pm