6 days remaining
Location: Melbourne | Western Metropolitan
Job type: Full time / Until 29/08/2025
Organisation: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Salary: $157,356 - $180,117
Occupation: Community Services
Reference: VG/DFFH/WWD/518098A
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)
THE ROLE
The aim of the Principal Practitioner is to strengthen the skills and knowledge of child protection practitioners and build a child-focussed family-centred practice culture that integrates evidence from research and critical reflection. The Principal Practitioner will undertake specialist assessments and interventions, case reviews, appeals and maintain case records, visit children, their parents, families and carers, and other professionals involved with clients of Child Protection.
The Principal Practitioner will provide high level expertise and offer secondary consultation and live supervision; facilitate staff mentoring and practice development; and provide leadership in the implementation of continuous improvement strategies based on clinical best practice.
The transportation of children is a requirement of this role, as such a valid drivers 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.
You will possess an understanding of Aboriginal culture and demonstrate an understanding of the legislative, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities, including the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and the programs and initiatives that support its implementation in child protection practice.
ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE
Risk assessment and analysis: proactively identifies and analyses patterns associated with risk assessment and articulates this expert analysis to support and extends practitioner skills
Case planning review and case management: effectively makes decisions in context of review and appeals and analyses case management across the team
Critical inquiry: implements strategies for continuous improvement in using evidence-based frameworks across teams, programs and practice; displays broad thinking, drawing on research and literature to support evidence-informed practice
Please open the position description to read more.
COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.
HOW TO APPLY
All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) <https://jse.vic.gov.au/user/login?destination=/new-home-page> portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
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.
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)
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
Full time / Until 29/08/2025
CPP 6.2
Christine Pattas | christine.pattas@dffh.vic.gov.au