Advanced Child Protection Practitioner- Intake
* Ongoing training and development opportunities
* Generous renumeration and benefits
* Access to salary packaging
Being a Child Protection Practitioner means making real change to the lives of others – keeping children safe and families strong. If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you.
About the role
In 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.
There are multiple ongoing and fixed term opportunities available in Intake, including:
* Box Hill
* Geelong
Key responsibilities include:
* Receive reports about children when there is concern that they need protection
* Conduct an initial risk assessment based on report details
* Attend intake case conferences, where required
* Make follow-up phone calls with professionals to verify and gather information about reports
* Refer cases, where applicable, to community service organisations
* Seek advice and guidance from relevant Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to inform risk assessment.
At the Advanced level, it is expected you will provide support and leadership to less experienced teams members and you may be allocated more complex work.
Who we are looking for
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. A great deal of case work involves statutory investigation, analysis and critical thinking.
You will bring an understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), plus understanding of the legislative, policy, and practice requirements relating to family violence and to families impacted by drug and/or alcohol abuse and can apply these skills in practice.
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.
We welcome applications from suitably qualified temporary visa holders. Successful candidates may be eligible for employer sponsorship under SID482 visa. More information available at Child protection jobs – international recruitment | vic.gov.au
For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please view the attached position description.
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.
Regional retention allowance: Under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024, child protection practitioners may also be eligible to receive a regional retention allowance. Click here to find out more
About the recruitment process
The below outlines the key dates and process for the Beginning Practice Child Protection Practitioner role:
* Online psychometric and personality assessments are a mandatory component of the pre assessment screening. Should your application progress, you will receive an invitation to complete the necessary assessments.
* Online assessment centre involving a case study review, group activity and written assessment will be held the week of 04 May 2026. You will receive advance notification should you progress to this stage.
* 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.
All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP). This training is designed to provide new employees with the necessary practice of knowledge and skills relating to the role. This is delivered online and in person with attendance in Melbourne required for some week blocks. Regional employees will be supported with travel and accommodation arrangements.
How to Apply
To work in child protection in Victoria, you must hold a relevant qualification in social work, welfare, psychology or community services. You can find out more at this link Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au .
To avoid delays with your application, please ensure you attach the required documents including:
* 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 - No Learners Permits)
There are multiple positions available across our metro and regional offices. When applying, you will be asked to nominate your first and second preferred office location to work form. Please ensure you select only those office locations you can work from.
Applications will close midnight on Sunday 12 April 2026