3001 Melbourne Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Practice Leader (Child Protection Navigator)

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.

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Role Overview

The Child Protection Navigator is a Practice Leader Position dedicated to the Family Preservation and Reunification Response. The Child Protection Practice Leader Navigator supports activation of the Response and right time, with the right people and in the right place to promote and protect the rights and best interests of children and young people. The Child Protection Practice Leader Navigator will model and enhance trauma informed, culturally safe and responsive practice that is child and family centred, relational and evidence-informed and integrated to improve outcomes of child safety, wellbeing and development.



The Child Protection Navigator provides a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families and has a strong focus to develop a connected and coordinated practice culture and mindset shift of Response practitioners within child and family services and Child Protection practitioners working together.

Key Accountabilities

- Risk assessment and analysis: authorises plans and decisions in relation to risk assessment, analysis and mitigation/intervention
- Case planning review and case management: leads planning, review and management of their own and team members' case work
- Critical inquiry: leads planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements
- Standardised reporting: reviews team documents including court reports, case plans and assessments, ensuring reporting obligations are met
- Reflective Practice: demonstrates expertise in reflective practice through interactions and communication with staff and stakeholders

Responsibilities Include

- Risk assessment and analysis: further develops and coach's others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis
- Case planning review and case management: provides case planning advice, guidance and support to others; directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk to the child
- Critical inquiry: leads planning, review and management of issues in line with best practice principles and legislative requirements

Salary & Perks

- CommencementSalary of $116,413 to $128,631 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 new 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 Regional Benefits
- Flexibility work arrangements, flexible start and finish times, condensed working arrangements, part-time options and more
- A valid driver's license (learner's permit not acceptable)
- Hold or obtain a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Requirements & Eligibility

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening. A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel, including in country regions, is required. The transportation of children is a requirement of this role, as such a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel, including in country regions is essential. There may be the requirement to work overnight and travel in evenings and early mornings. On occasions, additional hours may be required to ensure the wellbeing of children. Department vehicles are used to support this role.

Equity and Inclusion

The Department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures.

Additional Information

This role requires a Working with Children Check. Further advice on obtaining this check can be found here.

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📌 Child Protection Practitioner — After-Hours Service (Melbourne)
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📍 Melbourne