At a Glance
- Tasks: Strengthen child protection practices and lead critical assessments and interventions.
- Company: Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC – a supportive and impactful workplace.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, career development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours with travel required; commitment to Aboriginal cultural understanding is essential.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on improving the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Experience in child protection and a passion for community welfare.
The predicted salary is between 65250 - 79750 $ per year.
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 extend 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.
This role requires a Working with Children Check. Further advice on obtaining this check can be found here: Working with Children Check.
Practice Induction Program (PIP)
All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-week Practice 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.
Principal Practitioner in Frankston employer: Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating equal opportunities for all Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, DFFH fosters an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Melbourne, this role offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to vital child safeguarding initiatives.
Contact Details:
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC Recruitment Team
