Locations: Outer Gippsland areas: Sale and Bairnsdale. If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. There are multiple positions available in Outer Gippsland Bairnsdale and Sale offices. In Outer Gippsland you will find some of Victoria's finest offerings – from restaurants and cafes to scenic mountain ranges, pristine beaches, beautiful wetlands, temperate rainforests, seasonal access to snowfields and many other beautiful places. To find out more about living in beautiful Outer Gippsland, Click the link for a 1-minute video or spend a little more time viewing the 10-minute video showing all of Gippsland's hidden wonders. Child protection employees who reside and work in the Outer Gippsland are eligible for the child protection retention payments of $2,500 paid on 1 July 2026 and 2027, and 1 January 2027. If you are interested in relocating to Sale or Bairnsdale, you may be eligible for relocation supports including up to $4,000 for relocation costs, assistance with short term accommodation and securing longer term housing. In Outer Gippsland, your onboarding will be supported through a tailored 12-month New Employee Support and Training program that has been specifically designed for Outer Gippsland Child Protection Practitioners to set you up for success in your role. Working in Child Protection: 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 bring your suitable experience to strengthen your strong sense of social justice and understanding that families are complex, with their own unique histories. You will work with more complex cases and situations and operate with an increased level of autonomy appropriate for the role. Key responsibilities for Advanced Child Protection Practitioner, include but are not limited to: * Conducting risk assessments and investigations * Managing complex cases, problem solving and presenting matters to the Children's Court of Victoria as required * Being responsible for supporting and developing Beginning Child Protection Practitioners in the integration of theory and practice while demonstrating your expertise through case practice * Determining case plans (including stability plans, cultural plans and therapeutic treatment plans) for the safety and wellbeing of children, and * Delivering case practice and case management services for children and young people who are either living with family or placed in out of home care. You can read more about child protection on our website. 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 and ensure you understand and meet the legislated minimum qualification, experience and other requirements of the role prior to submitting your application. 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. (Read more about our qualification requirements ) 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 Department of Families Fairness and Housing Victoria | Child protection Successful candidates will attend a full-time mandatory five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP). PIP is designed to provide new staff to the child protection program with the necessary practice 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: To submit your application please click on the Apply for this Job button at the bottom of the page. To ensure your application can be considered, please ensure you attach: * Current resume * Cover letter (1 page only) * Proof of your working rights for Australia (Copy of Visa (if applicable), a coloured passport copy) * Qualifications certificates: * Academic Transcript/s (Tertiary qualifications / Awards / USI / transcript) * Valid Driver Licence - (Must have full driving Privileges - thus No Learners Permits) Applications will close midnight on Sunday 26 April 2026.