Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time or part-time
Salary: $64,624 - $79,753
Grade: CPP 2
Occupation: Child protection
Location: Various
Reference: VG/CPEP-2027
Join the 2027 intake and gain real experience working in child protection.
The Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) is a paid 12-week full-time or 16-week part-time program that is an entry pathway to a Child Protection Practitioner (CPP) role. It gives final year students (who will graduate by December 2027) in social work and related fields the experience of what it's like to work in child protection.
Working in child protection
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. Child protection work is rewarding, fulfilling, challenging, and demanding. We are 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. While there is a need for the understanding of therapy-based skills and referrals to these services, a great deal of case work involves statutory investigation, analysis, and critical thinking.
Key responsibilities
The work in child protection is varied. In this role, and working under the direction of an experienced practitioner, there is an opportunity to rotate through different areas of child protection. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
Program details:
Want to know more about what the program has to offer? An online information session will be delivered Wednesday 14 October at 11:00-12:00. To register: Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) Information Session 2027
CPEP/CPP2 Salary
You will be earning a salary equivalent of $64,624 plus superannuation (pro rata) for the 12 or 16 weeks.
Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining the relevant qualifications, participants may progress into an entry-level qualified child protection practitioner role at the CPP3 level, if there is a vacancy. Commencement salaries effective 1 May 2027: CPP3.1: $ 83,941 ( diploma qualification entry level) and CPP3.2: $87,539 (degree qualification entry level) Child protection jobs - salaries and benefits | vic.gov.au
Program eligibility
For the 2027 program, applicants need to:
Our recruitment process
How to Apply
Click the' Apply' button, and you will be directed to our platform where you will be required to create an account if you do not already have one.
Applications close at : 11:59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Please ensure you have uploaded Mandatory Application Documents in PDF colour. Your application will not be progressed without these documents.
* If you have full registration or membership with a Social Work Board or Association within or outside Australia, please attach a copy.
Please note:
Important Information
If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format, please contact us.
Salaries and Benefits – Regional Benefits - Recruitment Journey - Office Locations
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)