Overview

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $110,910 - $122,380

Grade: CYF4

Occupation: Community services

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DJCSDJ1700NOV26

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we¿re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place.

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We¿re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we¿d love to hear from you.

The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children¿s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don¿t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers

We¿re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it?

- Lead a skilled team supporting children, families and people affected by adoption.
- Guide complex cases and help shape better outcomes for families.
- Share your expertise and support workers to grow their skills.
- Make a lasting difference through work that changes lives.
- Fixed-term, full-time role earning $110,910 - $122,380 per year, plus super.

What you will do

As practice leader,



you will guide the delivery of adoption services across Victoria. You will lead complex casework and support workers to provide safe, informed and caring services.

You will:

- lead and manage complex casework, including assessments, case plans and support for children, families and people affected by past adoption
- provide expert guidance and supervision to adoption workers and help them resolve complex cases
- develop and deliver adoption education and training for workers and other organisations, including some evening and weekend sessions
- lead the development and review of policies, procedures and projects to improve adoption services
- prepare and review court reports, briefings and advice, using research and sound judgement to guide decisions.

About you

You must hold a recognised social work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural science degree. Your degree must focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics or the effects of trauma. A practical component in counselling or casework is preferred.

You should also have:

- strong adoption knowledge, including the history of adoption and experience with complex cases and assessments
- knowledge of child placement and relevant laws, including the Adoption Act 1984
- sound assessment and casework skills, using theory, professional knowledge and informed judgement to guide your work
- leadership and communication skills,



with the ability to guide staff, manage change and build robust working relationships.

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Cathy Millon at [email protected].

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Child safe statement of commitment

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be r ecognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.

Applications close Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 11.59pm

Posted

10 November 2026

📌 Practice Leader, Adoption Information Service (Melbourne)
🏢 Department Of Justice And Community Safety
📍 Melbourne