Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) 2026 - Applications Open

Join the 2026 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 students (who will graduate by January 2027) and recent graduates (who have finished in 2025) 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.

About the role

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:

• supervising access visits between children and their families,
• transporting children to services and visits,
• supporting the provision of in-home support to families; and
• documenting case notes.

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 our child protection employee's mental health and wellbeing.

More information on the benefits in working with child protection can be found on our webpage Child protection jobs - supporting our workforce | vic.gov.au .

All new child protection employees to the department complete one week of mandatory online training modules and undertake a Practice Induction Program designed to provide new staff to the child protection program with the necessary practice knowledge and skills relating to the role.

CPEP commencement dates:

The program offers two start dates:

• 19 January 2026 and
• 2 March 2026.

If you are applying to work in a location in regional Victoria and would like to start earlier, the program will try to accommodate you.

Opportunities are available across Victoria, in both metropolitan and regional offices. We have offices around the State. To check the full list of locations, visit: Locations | Child Protection Jobs - DFFH

CPEP/CPP2 Salary

You will be earning a salary equivalent of $62,742 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. Commencement salaries: CPP3.1: $79,122 (Diploma qualification entry level) and CPP3.2: $82,514 (Degree qualification entry level) Child protection jobs - salaries and benefits | vic.gov.au

Program eligibility

To apply for the program, you will need:

• to have already completed or currently studying a social work, welfare, psychology related qualification and/or relevant experience (see qualification eligibility - Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au),
• to have graduated in 2025 or be graduating by January 2027,
• to be available to work 3 to 5 days per week (7 hours and 36 minutes per day) for the duration of the program,
• a valid, current Australian driver's licence,
• to be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa (see requirements below) and
• to have (or be prepared to obtain) an employee Working with Children Check.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online on the link below. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats

Mandatory Application Documents (applications will not be progressed without these documents).

1. Cover letter (1 page maximum) - outlining why you are interested in the position.
2. Resume
3. Citizenship evidence/valid work permit - applicants must be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

If you are a current visa holder, please ensure you attach a PDF coloured copy of your passport and Visa grant, to your application, as the department will complete a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check.

1. Academic Transcript - a copy of an official academic transcript / Unique Student Identifier (USI) transcript (or unofficial transcript if still completing their qualification) as part of your application.
2. Drivers licence - copy of a valid drivers licence.

Candidates who progress will be required to complete psychometric testing and pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening, as well as attend an assessment centre. Anticipated online assessment centres are projected to take place in September 2025. Dates will be advised to progressing candidates, once confirmed.

Please note:

• due to the large volume of applicants, the recruitment timelines for the program are extensive.
• if you do not attach the correct documentation, your application will not be considered.

If you have any questions, email [email protected].

Visit the CPEP webpage, where you will find more information on the program.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open and will close on Sunday 3 August 2025 at 11:59 pm.

For more information, visit the Child Protection Employment Program

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)