Senior Child Protection Practitioner - RELOCATE TO VIC (Australia)

These roles are only available to candidates from New Zealand

What is involved?  

To be an effective Senior Child Protection Practitioner, you will have a strong sense of social justice and understand that families are complex, with their own unique histories. Importantly, you will be able to collaborate with the Team Manager to strengthen case practice, provide effective service delivery and to support other practitioners in the development of plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people.

At the CPP5.1 Senior Practitioner level, you will supervise team members in daily tasks through a structured and supportive learning program. This role will hold a caseload commensurate with supervisory responsibilities.

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.

Key responsibilities for Senior Child Protection Practitioner, include but are not limited to: 

• Child-centred and family-focused relationship-based practice: assists others to reflect on interpersonal interactions, encouraging self-reflection to enhance relationships and communication
• Collaboration: establishes and maintains strong relationships with their team, colleagues and other stakeholders
• 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

Please see position description for further detail about the role. You can read more about child protection on our website.  

Why work for Child Protection 

Along with an annual salary of $113,022 to $124,885 and 12% superannuation you will receive: 

• An annual clothing allowance of $650, pro rata for part-time employees 
• Yearly annual wage increases of 3 per cent over the life of the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024 
• 20 days of annual leave, 15 days of personal/carer's leave and an extra 5 days of annual leave after 12 months of service. 
• A dedicated and free wellbeing and support program designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of child protection practitioners as well as a wellbeing and support program for employees and their immediate families. 
• A regional retention allowance of $2,500 paid twice yearly. 
• Onboarding supported through a tailored 12-month New Employee Support and Training program that has been specifically designed for Outer Gippsland Child Protection Practitioners to set you up for success in your role.

The Location

The Outer Gippsland area of Victoria is a hidden gem and offers access to nature, be it rivers, bushland, beach or snow, and a strong sense of community. You'll find some of Victoria's finest offerings - from restaurants and cafes to scenic mountain ranges, pristine beaches, beautiful wetlands, temperate rainforests and many other beautiful places, the best of nature is right at your fingertips in the heart of Gippsland.

Child Protection offices are located at Bairnsdale and Sale.

Click the link for a 1-minute video of showcasing the very best of Gippsland.

Relocation Package

If you are successful through a recruitment process, you may be eligible for relocation support to Victoria including:

• Reimbursement of one-way economy airfares for yourself and accompanying immediate family
• Up to 28 nights temporary accommodation upon arrival to Victoria
• Tailored settlement services and additional regional relocation support
• Once off payment to cover incidentals whilst in transit up to a maximum amount.

More information at Child protection jobs - international recruitment | vic.gov.au

 To work in child protection, you will need: 

• Legal right to drive in Victoria, and the legal right to work in Australia 
• 4+ years' work experience in child protection and/or child, youth and family welfare involving case management. Read more about Child protection jobs - requirements and eligibility | vic.gov.au
• to hold the minimum relevant diploma level qualifications. We are looking for people with social work, welfare, or psychology qualifications. Read more about our qualification requirements 
• to hold or obtain a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) 
• to complete an International and National Police Check before you start. 

Assessment Stages and Key Dates 

• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening including national police check, international police check, misconduct screening, qualification checks and two professional reference checks.    
• Commencement dates will be negotiated based on relocation timeframes. All new Child Protection employees to the department are required to complete one week of mandatory online training modules upon commencement. 

• Following this, it is mandatory to attend the full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP) commencing July or August 2026.   PIP is designed to provide new staff to the child protection program with the necessary practice of knowledge and skills relating to the role.  
• Successful candidates will be required to attend the PIP training in person in Melbourne. Travel/accommodation arrangements is included for regional based candidates.  

Are you ready to join us? 

If you're ready to take the next step in your career apply online and provide the following documents in word format or PDF only: 

• a current and comprehensive resume/CV and a one page cover letter 
• copies of your relevant qualifications, including transcripts as specified in your resume/CV 
• a copy of your visa and coloured copy of your passport, if applicable. 

To help you prepare, the recruitment journey is outlined here: Child protection jobs - recruitment journey | vic.gov.au

Applications will close midnight on Monday 6th April 2026.