Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time or part-time
Salary: $79,122 - $96,073
Grade: CPP 3
Occupation: Child protection
Location: Various
Reference: VG/R03CPP3GEN
Child Protection Practitioner – Beginning Practice
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
There are multiple opportunities available across out metro and regional office locations.
Entry level roles for child protection practitioners allows you to gain an excellent experience across the child and family services system. You will be supported by your team and your supervisor in daily tasks and benefit from a structured and supportive learning program.
Key responsibilities for Beginning Child Protection Practitioner, include but are not limited to:
You will manage a variety of cases and issues increasing in complexity with your experience, while changing the immediate future of at-risk children and their families.
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.
For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please view the attached position description.
Benefits of a career in Child Protection
As a Victorian government employee, you will have access to a broad range of benefits and entitlements. These include access to professional development opportunities through training programs, peer support networks and access to a dedicated and free wellbeing and a support program specifically designed to support ou r child protection employee's mental health and wellbeing. Learn about the benefits and entitlements of being a child protection practitioner.
Regional retention allowance: Under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024, child protection practitioners may also be eligible to receive a regional retention allowance. Click here to find out more
About the recruitment process
The below outlines the key dates and process for the Beginning Practice Child Protection Practitioner role:
All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP). This training is designed to provide new employees with the necessary practice of knowledge and skills relating to the role. 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
To work in child protection in Victoria, you must hold a relevant qualification in social work, welfare, psychology or community services. You can find out more at this link Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au .
To avoid delays with your application, please ensure you attach the required documents including:
There are multiple positions available across our metro and regional offices. When applying, you will be asked to nominate your first and second preferred office location to work form. Please ensure you select only those office locations you can work from.
Applications will close midnight on Sunday 12 April 2026.