Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based), Southern Melbourne Area (Dandenong)
The role
The Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based) is an outposted child protection position that will work as a 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 position will be required to, at times, attend 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 to 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, 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.
See the Senior Child Protection Practitioner Community Based position description for further detail about the role. You can read more about child protection on our website.
Why work for child protection
Read more about the benefits of joining child protection.
Along with an annual salary of $116,413 - $128,631 and 12% superannuation you will receive:
- annual clothing allowance of $650, pro rata for part-time employees
- yearly annual wage increases of 3 per cent over the life of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024
- 20 days of annual leave, 15 days of personal/carer's leave and an extra 5 days of annual leave after 12 months of service
- dedicated and free wellbeing and support program designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of child protection practitioners and their immediate family
- relocation support may also be available for employees moving from interstate.
- DFFH welcomes applications from suitably qualified temporary visa holders. Successful candidates may be eligible for employer sponsorship under SID482 visa. More information available at Child protection jobs - international recruitment | vic.gov.au
To work in child protection, you will need:
- an Australian driver's license, and the legal right to work in Australia
- 4+ years' work experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare. Read more about Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au
- to hold the minimum relevant diploma level qualifications. We are looking for people with social work, welfare, or psychology qualifications. Read more about our qualification requirements
- to hold or obtain a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- to complete a National Crime Check before you start
Are you ready to join us? If you're ready to take the next step in your career apply online and provide the following documents in word format or PDF only:
- a current resume/CV and a one-page cover letter
- copies of your relevant qualifications, including transcripts as specified in your resume/CV
- a copy of your visa and coloured copy of your passport, if applicable.
To help you prepare, the recruitment journey is outlined here: Child protection jobs - recruitment journey | vic.gov.au
Practice Induction Program (PIP) - All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP). 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.
HOW TO APPLY
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.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
