CPP3 Child Protection Practitioner GWYN 2025

Working in child protection

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. 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 draw on your personal skills including:

• thinking analytically
• working well under pressure
• developing new programs, or strengthening existing programs to improve outcomes for at risk children and young people
• collaborating with a diverse group of people towards a common goal

Applications for Beginning Child Protection Practitioner (CPP3) and Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4) are now being accepted by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing across regional Victoria.

Ongoing, part time opportunities are also available in our Regional After-Hours Service (RAHS) who operate an on-call, re-call model and roster. Practitioners conduct emergency outreach visits as required at night, on weekends and on public holidays with applicable penalty rates and allowances. They respond to cases where existing and new child protection clients are at significant risk and require an urgent out of hours response.

RAHS areas: Inner Gippsland, Outer Gippsland, Loddon, Mallee, Ovens Murray, Goulburn, Loddon, Wimmera South West, Central Highlands,

Working in child protection in a regional location is a unique opportunity. It offers a different experience and sense of pride knowing that you are having a positive impact on children and families in your community where you live. You will benefit from access to ongoing learning, development and career opportunities, tailored wellbeing and support programs, flexible work arrangements and generous leave provisions.

There are child protection offices across all of Victoria, refer to this link Child protection jobs - regional locations | vic.gov.au When submitting your application youll be asked to identify your preferred office location to work from.

For more information about the roles, refer to this link Child protection jobs - position descriptions | vic.gov.au

Salaries

Current salary ranges (based on full time rosters and excluding 11.5% superannuation)

CPP3 $76,817 to $93,275 Employees who hold a Social Work bachelors degree will commence at a higher salary, currently $80,111.

CPP4 $95,102 to $107,905

In addition to the salary received, other financial incentives include:

• four annual wage increases of 3% over the life of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024.
• salary sacrificing options including vehicle novated leases and private health insurance
• annual clothing allowance paid on 1 July of $650 (pro rata for part-time employees)
• standby/recall allowances for work outside regular hours in Rural After-Hours Child Protection Services

Child protection retention allowance

A retention payment of up to $15,000 paid over 3 years to eligible CPP3 and CPP4 employees who are substantively employed and reside in one of the regional locations; find out more by visiting this link Child protection jobs - regional benefits | vic.gov.au

Flexible work arrangements

The Victorian Government supports work-life balance and offers the following flexible work arrangements which are available subject to business needs:

• flexible start and finish times
• condensed working arrangements
• part time options
• generous leave provisions

Wellbeing

Specialised wellbeing programs for child protection practitioners. We offer dedicated and free and confidential wellbeing and support program designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of child protection practitioners. Refer to this link Child protection jobs - supporting our workforce | vic.gov.au

How to Apply

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

If applying for the Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4) 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.

Please refer to 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.

Time Lines and Next Steps - apply now!

Applications close at midnight Sunday 27 April 2025.

You will receive an automated response to your application advising of the next steps and timelines.