Work location: Western Region | Horsham

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 Advanced Child Protection Practitioner, Community Based is an outposted child protection position that will work as a part of a team from The Orange Door in the local area. The position will report to the Team Manager, Community Based. 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 Advanced CPP, Community Based will provide advice, support, and consultation to practitioners within The Orange Door, as well as to Family Services, Specialist Family Violence Services and Men's Services where required. Advice, support, and consultation will occur where there are significant concerns for 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 may include direct involvement with unborn children, where there is a high likelihood of child protection intervention post birth. The position may also support the child protection program in the early identification and facilitation of appropriate referrals to The Orange Door and/or Integrated Family Services.

As an effective Advanced Child Protection Practitioner your role will be receiving and assessing reports of alleged abuse and neglect of children and young people. You will undertake investigations and develop plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people and to promote the achievement of case plan objectives within specified timeframes.

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, including weekends to ensure the wellbeing of children.

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: competently works with complex cases. Supports, advises and guides colleagues to understand and apply frameworks as required.
• Case planning review and case management: coordinates and leads planning, review and management of own case work.
• Critical inquiry: uses outcomes from critical inquiry to develop and build on existing knowledge and skills. Supports, advises and guides others to apply evidence-based frameworks to resolve issues.
• Standardised reporting: produces a range of documents in a confident manner.
• Reflective Practice: critically reflects on their own practice and implements changes where required. Competently demonstrates reflective and evidence-based practice in regular interactions with staff and stakeholders.

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WORKING IN RURAL VICTORIA INCENTIVE

External applicants relocating to a regional area could be eligible for up to $20,500 worth of incentives. Internal applicants relocating to a regional area could be eligible for up to $15,500 worth of incentives. If you live and work in an area classified as ‘remote' by the Australian Tax Office, you may also be eligible for additional salary packaging arrangements, such as mortgage interest, rental costs, and residential utilities.

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.