The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.
Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.
We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.
We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.
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)
Job Details
Department: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Work Type: Ongoing - flexible Job Function: Child protection Classification: CPP3 Work Location: VIC - various Reference: VG/VG/SEPT26CPP3AHS Closing Date: 11-Oct-2026 Salary Range: $81,496 - $98,955 Job Duration: N/A Attachments: (PDF, 313KB)
Position Description
(Word, 160KB)
Position Description
Contact: Child Protection Jobs
[email protected]
Position Details
Beginning Child Protection Practitioner – After Hours Service
About the role
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 and families, then a career in child protection is for you.
As part of the After-Hours team 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.
Employees will be entitled to applicable penalty rates and allowances in accordance with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024, which could equate up to 30% or more on top of commencing salary.
Entry level roles for child protection practitioners allows you to gain an excellent experience across the child and family services system. You will be supported by your team and your supervisor in daily tasks and benefit from a structured and supportive learning program.
Benefits
- Commencement Salary of $81,496 - $98,955 per annum (plus superannuation)
- Access to free Child protection wellbeing program (CPWP) and child protection health program (CPHP) designed to support the wellbeing of child protection staff
- Generous leave provisions, 20 days of annual leave, 15 days of personal/carers leave, an extra 5 days of additional leave after 12 months of service
- Child Protection Practice Induction Program delivered over 5 weeks, to equip current starts with the necessary practice knowledge and skills
- Regional benefits, retention allowance of $2,500 for child protection practitioners that live in certain regional locations. Find out more here
- An annual clothing allowance of $650
There are multiple opportunities available across After Hours, within the following locations only:
- Bairnsdale – full time
- Morwell – full time or part time
- Shepparton or Wangaratta – part time
Key responsibilities
- Be part of a team that responds to and manages all urgent child protection matters received outside core business hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Assess recent reports of potential child abuse or neglect and provide investigation and response
- Plan development and emergency outreach vists, as required
What we are looking for?
- A strong sense of social justice and understanding that families are complex
- Confidence in building relationships with children, young people and their families
- An understanding of the legislative, policy and practice requirements relating to children, families and communities, including Aboriginal Child Placement Principles
- A social work, welfare, psychology related qualification and/or relevant experience
- The transportation of children is a requirement of this role, as such a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel is essential
Click to access the Position Description, option to download to word available.
Our recruitment process
Shortlisted candidates are required to undertake psychometric assessments followed by attending a virtual online assessment centre on Wednesday 04 November 2026.
Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required. Successful candidates are required to attend a 5 week mandatory
How to Apply
Click the' Apply' button, you will be directed to our platform where you will be required to create an account if you do not already have one.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 11 October 2026.
Please ensure you have uploaded Mandatory Application Documents (Your application will not be progressed without these documents)
- Resume
- Proof of your working rights for Australia (passport and/or a copy of a valid visa)
- Qualifications certificate*
- Official academic transcript or USI statement
- Driver licence
- If you have full registration or membership with a Social Work Board or Association within or outside Australia, please attach a copy.
Important Information
If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format, please contact us.
If your application has been rejected recently, you can re-apply after 6 months.
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Job details Department: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Job Reference: VG/VG/SEPT26CPP3AHS
Location: VIC - various
Work Type: Ongoing - flexible
Job Function: Child protection
Classification: CPP3
Salary Range: $81,496 - $98,955
Job Duration: N/A
Date posted: 22-Sep-2026
Application Close Date: 11-Oct-2026
Attachments: (PDF, 313KB)
Position Description
(Word, 160KB)
Position Description
Contact:
Child Protection Jobs
[email protected]
📌 Child Protection Practitioner, After Hours Service (Bairnsdale)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria
📍 Bairnsdale