Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families?

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing are seeking dedicated Child Protection Practitioner's at Advanced (CPP4) level to join our Rural based After-Hours teams.

Child protection work is interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling and involves therapeutic and analytical skills. You will be working in collaboration with families, Community Sector Organisations and professionals to develop and implement effective plans for children. You will be part of a great team that values collaboration and support. We offer access to excellent learning and development opportunities and a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.

If you are ready to make a difference and meet the challenges of this rewarding role, we encourage you to apply!

As part of the Rural based After-Hours teams you will work to a structured rostered model and provide response and emergency outreach visits as required to all child protection matters that are received outside core business hours; at night, on weekends and on public holidays and will be entitled to applicable penalty rates and allowances.

The positions are as follows:

Loddon Division

Ongoing, Part time (0.26 FTE) CPP4 positions available in Bendigo.

These positions will be required to work 20 hours per fortnight with a fixed roster of 3pm to 1am on Saturday and Sunday. This roster schedule attracts excellent penalties in accordance with the VPS Enterprise Agreement provisions. There may be scope to pick up additional shift vacancies for those looking to increase their hours, dependant on availability.

Wimmera Southwest Division

Ongoing, Part time (0.26 FTE) CPP4 positions available in Warrnambool or Geelong.

These positions will be required to work 20 hours per fortnight with a fixed roster of 3pm to 1am on Saturday and Sunday. This roster schedule attracts excellent penalties in accordance with the VPS Enterprise Agreement provisions. There may be scope to pick up additional shift vacancies for those looking to increase their hours, dependant on availability.

South Division

Ongoing, Part time (0.74 FTE & 0.26FTE) CPP4 positions available in Inner Gippsland (Morwell)

Ongoing, Full time and Part time (0.74 FTE & 0.26FTE) CPP4 positions available in Outer Gippsland (Bairnsdale)

East Division

Ongoing, Full time and Part time (0.74 FTE & 0.26FTE) CPP4 positions available in Shepparton and Wangaratta

Working in child protection in a regional location is a unique opportunity. It offers a different experience and sense of pride knowing that you are having a positive impact on children and families in your community where you live. You will benefit from access to ongoing learning, development and career opportunities, tailored wellbeing and support programs, flexible work arrangements and generous leave provisions including an additional 5 days annual leave and substitute leave for public holidays.

Salaries

Current salary ranges (based on full time rosters and excluding 12% superannuation)

CPP4 $97,955 to $111,142

In addition to the salary received, other financial incentives include:

four annual wage increases of 3% over the life of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024.

salary sacrificing options including vehicle novated leases and private health insurance

annual clothing allowance paid on 1 July of $650 (pro rata for part-time employees)

Child protection retention allowance

A retention payment of up to $15,000 paid over 3 years to eligible CPP4 employees who are substantively employed and reside in one of the regional locations; find out more by visiting this link Child protection jobs - regional benefits | vic.gov.au

Flexible work arrangements

The Victorian Government supports work-life balance and offers the following flexible work arrangements which are available subject to business needs:

flexible start and finish times

condensed working arrangements

part time options

generous leave provisions

Wellbeing

Specialised wellbeing programs for child protection practitioners. We offer dedicated and free and confidential wellbeing and support program designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of child protection practitioners. Refer to this link Child protection jobs - supporting our workforce | vic.gov.au

How to Apply and Next Steps

Qualifications

To work in child protection in Victoria, you must hold a relevant qualification in social work, welfare, psychology or community services as explained at this link Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au

To apply for an Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4) role, it is expected you will have a minimum of two years relevant experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare involving case management, along with the required qualifications.

Please refer to Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au and ensure you understand and meet the legislated minimum qualification, experience and other requirements of the role prior to submitting your application.

We will be running an information session which will provide candidates with a detailed overview of the Rural After-Hours Service and new rostered model as well as the benefits of working in a rural based location. Invitations will be sent to candidates prior to the information session. If you are not able to attend the session but would like to learn more about the service, positions and rostered model please reach out to Michelle Ferran on the contact number below.

To submit your application please click on the Apply for this Job button at the bottom of the page. Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you will be invited to attend a virtual assessment centre which will be scheduled for week of 01 September 2025 where you will complete two assessments being a written case study and a group activity. Please note, the confirmed date for the virtual assessment centre will be dependent on application numbers and may be subject to change.

For further information please refer to the attached position descriptions or contact Michelle Ferran on 0458 079 331.

Applications close on 20 August 2025 midnight.