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.

Position Details

Advanced Child Protection Practitioner - Community Based - Footscray

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.

What we are looking for:

We're looking for professionals who are confident and resilient, 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.

As an Advanced Child Protection Practitioner, it is expected you will have a minimum two years' experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare involving case management.

You will have advanced working knowledge of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), including 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.