Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based) Job posted: 07/01/2025
Location: North East Region | Shepparton
Job type: Full time
Organisation: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Occupation: Community Services
Reference: VG/VG/DFFH/COPL/743641
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.
THE ROLE The Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based) is an outposted child protection position that will work as part of a team from the Support and Safety Hub (Hubs) in the local area. The position will report to the Team Manager (Support and Safety Hubs). The role will involve attending the local Child Protection office for child protection-related activities and meetings. Working within a multi-disciplinary setting, the SCPP (Community Based) will provide expert advice, support, and consultation to Hubs staff, as well as to Family Services, Specialist Family Violence Services, and Men's Services, where there are significant concerns for the wellbeing of children and young people.
The position will work collaboratively with the services to support earlier and more effective intervention for vulnerable children, young people, and their families and, where required, support the engagement of families with services. Work will include direct involvement with unborn children when there is a high likelihood of child protection intervention post-birth. The position will also be required to contribute to the development and delivery of community education to agencies regarding child protection statutory processes and responsibilities.
The transportation of children is a requirement of this role; thus, a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel, including in country regions, is essential. There may be a requirement to work overnight and travel in evenings and early mornings. On occasions, additional hours may be required, including weekends, 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. 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 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 for 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.
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