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, LGBTQI+ 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 Senior Child Protection Practitioner (Community Based) is an outposted child protection position that will work as a part of a team from the Support and Safety Hub (Hubs) in the local area. The position will report to the Team Manager (Support and Safety Hubs). The position will be required to, at times, attend the local Child Protection office for child protection related activities and meetings.

Working within a multi-disciplinary setting, the SCPP (Community Based) will provide expert advice, support and consultation to Hubs staff, as well as to Family Services, Specialist Family Violence Services and Men's Services, where there are significant concerns for the wellbeing of children and young people.  The position will work collaboratively with the services to support earlier and more effective intervention to vulnerable children, young people and their families and, where required, support the engagement of families with services. Work will include direct involvement with unborn children, when there is a high likelihood of child protection intervention post birth.

The position will also be required to contribute to the development and delivery of community education to agencies regarding child protection statutory processes and responsibilities.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

At this level, the role is developing a reputation as an expert in these capabilities and has consistently demonstrated these capabilities in all settings/ situations. Actively coaches colleagues in the application, theory and practice relating to these capabilities; engages and leads both colleagues and clients in these capabilities.

Critical Assessment and Reflection

1.1        Risk assessment and analysis - gathers information through a variety of sources and technologies in order to identify, articulate, and plan for the risks relating to each situation. Applies a strong forensic lens, and professional judgement, to analyse the available evidence.

1.2        Case planning review and case management - draws insights from assessment and analysis to formulate a meaningful and effective case plan, and reviews case progress and outcomes. Co-ordinates and leads the planning, review, and management of casework within DFFH and across other agencies and services.

1.3        Critical enquiry - uses evidence based frameworks to investigate issues, and is able to understand the root cause of each issue as well as the potential implications.

1.4        Standardised reporting - uses standardised reporting frameworks when recording case data, and when documenting care solutions provided.

1.5        Reflective practice - critically reflects on what they are doing in their role, and uses this reflection to influence their practice.

Please open the position description to read more.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS POLICY

The department may require its employees to be fully vaccinated against preventable diseases such as the current coronavirus (COVID-19). The department's COVID-19 Vaccination requirements policy(Word) outlines the requirements for existing employees, other workplace participants and prospective employees. Please read in full prior to applying.

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.