Senior Child Protection Practitioners

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free wellbeing program (CPWP/CPHP)

Regional retention allowance $2,500

Annual clothing allowance $650

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC in Melbourne seeks Senior Child Protection Practitioner roles across metro and regional offices. You will supervise team members, manage a caseload with supervisory responsibilities, and travel using Department vehicles as needed to support child safety.

Commencement salary ranges from $116,413 to $128,631 per annum plus superannuation. A valid driver’s license, WWCC and 4+ years in child protection are expected.

Qualifications

• Social work, welfare or psychology related qualification or experience.
• 4+ years' experience in child protection or related field.
• Driver's license (valid).
• WWCC clearance or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Social work background

Risk assessment

Team supervision

Education

Social work qualification

Job description

Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC – Melbourne VIC

Senior Child Protection Practitioner roles:

Various metro and regional opportunities are currently available across the state, you will be able to select your office preference as part of the application process.

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

• 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 aboutChild 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 28September 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