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.

Job Details

Department: DFFH Child Protection Practitioner Work Type: Ongoing - full time or part time Job Function: Child protection Classification: CPP4 Work Location: VIC - various Reference: VG/R03CPP4INTAKE Closing Date: 12-Apr-2026 Salary Range: $97,955 - $111,142

Position Details

Advanced Child Protection Practitioner- Intake

• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Generous renumeration and benefits
• Access to salary packaging

Being a Child Protection Practitioner means making real change to the lives of others – keeping children safe and families strong. If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you.

About the role

In Intake, you will receive reports from members of the community regarding children that might be at risk. You will assess these reports and decide if further child protection investigation is required. You will also provide advice to the people who make these reports and, where appropriate, help families to access support services.

There are multiple ongoing and fixed term opportunities available in Intake, including:

• Box Hill
• Geelong

Key responsibilities include:

• Receive reports about children when there is concern that they need protection

• Conduct an initial risk assessment based on report details

• Attend intake case conferences, where required

• Make follow-up phone calls with professionals to verify and gather information about reports

• Refer cases, where applicable, to community service organisations

• Seek advice and guidance from relevant Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to inform risk assessment.

At the Advanced level, it is expected you will provide support and leadership to less experienced teams members and you may be allocated more complex work.

Who we are looking for

We're looking for professionals who are confident and resilient, with a strong sense of social justice. You must be empathetic and open to change when working collaboratively with families and other professionals. A great deal of case work involves statutory investigation, analysis and critical thinking.

You will bring an understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), plus understanding of the legislative, policy, and practice requirements relating to family violence and to families impacted by drug and/or alcohol abuse and can apply these skills in practice.

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.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified temporary visa holders. Successful candidates may be eligible for employer sponsorship under SID482 visa.