Senior Child Protection Practitioner – Brimbank Melton Area in Melbourne

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.

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:

• Commencement Salary 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.
• 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.

Skills and experience required:

• 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 (learner's permit not acceptable).
• Hold or obtain a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• 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 and reference checks will be required.
• Successful candidates are required to attend a 5 week mandatory practice induction program.

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

Applications close Monday 26 October 2026 at 11.59pm.