Advanced Child Protection Practitioner

Advanced Child Protection Practitioner - Intake Services

Make the decision to pursue a fulfilling professional career and make a difference in vulnerable children's lives. 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 interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling. You will be working in collaboration with families, Community Sector Organisations and professionals to develop and implement effective plans for children.

Working in Child Protection Intake, you will receive reports from members of the community regarding children that might be at risk. You will assess these reports and decide if further child protection investigation is required. You will also provide advice to the people who make these reports and, where appropriate, help families to access support services.

We have multiple opportunities available: Ongoing, full-time and Fixed term, full-time opportunities in Box Hill, Dandenong, Preston and Geelong.

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

Range: $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 work is rewarding, fulfilling, challenging and demanding. 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. 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.

You can read more about child protection on our website.

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. Learn about the benefits and entitlements of being a child protection practitioner.

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 |

To apply for an Advanced Child Protection Practitioner 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 | and ensure you understand and meet the legislated minimum qualification, experience and other requirements of the role prior to submitting your application.

Assessment Stages and Key Dates

If shortlisted, you will be required to undertake online psychometric and personality assessments as below:

• Anticipated online Assessment Centres: Week commencing 08 December final dates will be advised to progressing candidates)
• Commencement Dates: All new child protection employees to the department are required to complete one week of mandatory online training modules from 05 January 2026 / 16 February 2026.
• Following this, it is mandatory to attend the full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP) commencing on Tuesday 13 January 2026 / 24 February 2026. PIP is designed to provide new staff to the child protection program with the necessary practice of knowledge and skills relating to the role.

Successful candidates will be required to attend the PIP training in person in Melbourne. Travel/accommodation arrangements may be included for regional candidates.

Note: preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening including national police check, international police check (if required), misconduct screening, qualification checks and two professional reference checks.

How to Apply: Please read about requirements and eligibility prior to applying. Working in child protection requires mandatory minimum qualifications.