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.

Job Details

Department: Go Where You're Needed Work Type: Ongoing - full time or part time Job Function: Child protection Classification: CPP4 Work Location: Frankston - Bayside Peninsula Reference: VG/579404 Closing Date: 14-Jun-2026 Salary Range: $100,894 - $114,476

Position Details

THE ROLE

The Advanced 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. The position will work collaboratively with 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.

As an effective Advanced Child Protection Practitioner your role will be receiving and assessing reports of alleged abuse and neglect of children and young people. You will undertake investigations and develop plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people and to promote the achievement of case plan objectives within specified timeframes.

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, 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: competently works with complex cases. Supports, advises and guides colleagues to understand and apply frameworks as required.
• Case planning review and case management: coordinates and leads planning, review and management of own case work.
• Critical inquiry: uses outcomes from critical inquiry to develop and build on existing knowledge and skills. Supports, advises and guides others to apply evidence-based frameworks to resolve issues.

Our recruitment process

• Preferred candidates will have a social work, welfare, psychology related qualification and/or relevant experience
• Ideally, you will have a minimum of two years' case work or similar relevant experience in child and family social work
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position
• Shortlisted candidates are required to undertake psychometric assessments followed by attending a virtual online assessment centre on Wednesday 08 July 2026
• Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required
• Successful candidates are required to attend 5 week mandatory practice induction program