Job Description
Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based)
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing 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 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.
The Role
The Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based) is an outposted child protection position that will work as 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.
Working within a multi-disciplinary setting, the SCPP (Community Based) will provide expert advice, support and consultation to Hubs staff, as well as to Family Services, Specialist Family Violence Services and Men's Services, where there are significant concerns for the wellbeing of children and young people.
The position will work collaboratively with the 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.
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.
Key Accountabilities
Risk assessment and analysis: further develops and coaches others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis
Case planning review and case management: provides case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk to the child
Critical inquiry: leads planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements
How to Apply
All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online.
Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing 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 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.
The Role
The Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based) is an outposted child protection position that will work as 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.
Working within a multi-disciplinary setting, the SCPP (Community Based) will provide expert advice, support and consultation to Hubs staff, as well as to Family Services, Specialist Family Violence Services and Men's Services, where there are significant concerns for the wellbeing of children and young people.
The position will work collaboratively with the 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.
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.
Key Accountabilities
Risk assessment and analysis: further develops and coaches others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis
Case planning review and case management: provides case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk to the child
Critical inquiry: leads planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements
How to Apply
All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online.
Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Child Protection Practitioner position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Shepparton offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.