Location: Melbourne | Southern Metropolitan
Job type: Full time / Fixed term until: 06-JAN-2026
Organisation: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Occupation: Community Services
Reference: VG/DFFH/COPL/408171
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.
THE ROLE 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 for additional hours including in the evenings and early mornings, 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 Risk assessment and analysis: further develops and coaches others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis.Case planning review and case management: provides case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk to the child.Critical inquiry: leads planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements.Please note: This position requires a valid Working with Children Check. COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.
HOW TO APPLY All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) portal. Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
Full time / Fixed term until: 06-JAN-2026
Job classification:CPP 5.1
Contact: #J-18808-Ljbffr