Requirements
All roles require a:
- current and valid driver’s license
- Working with children check (WWCC). All applicants for child protection roles must apply and pay for a Victorian Working with children check or produce a current WWCC card before receiving a job offer. A receipt payment for application or an actual WWCC card is required as evidence.
For more information, visit Working with children or call the confidential information line on 1300 652 879.
Mandatory qualifications
To be a child protection practitioner, you need one of the following:
Social work degree
- A recognised social work degree or a similar welfare or behavioural-related degree that includes:
- a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma
- and preferably, a practical component such as counselling or case work practice.
To find out if your degree is recognised, visit the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Related welfare degree
- A recognised Diploma of Community Services Work, or similar qualification that is studied over a minimum of two academic years full-time (or part time equivalent) and includes:
- a primary focus on child development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma
- supervised fieldwork placements (ideally completed within the child and family welfare sector) and at least one unit of study in case management, case work practice or counselling.
To find out if your diploma is recognised, visit the Australian Community Workers Association.
Other qualifications or work experience
Role specific information
- Case Practice Support Practitioners (CPP2) do not require social work or welfare qualifications. If you have been working in a similar field, your qualifications and experience might be relevant and transferable.
- Advanced Child Protection Practitioners need a minimum of two years case work experience in child and family welfare services.
- Leading or Expert Practitioners need extensive experience in a related role or in Child Protection.
For qualification advice on all child protection practitioner roles, please email childprotectionjobs@dffh.vic.gov.au
Still studying?
You need to have completed your qualifications to apply for a position as a Child Protection Practitioner (CPP3).
If you haven't completed an approved recognised diploma-level qualification, you may be required to seek eligibility for membership with the approved accrediting body (ACWA).
View graphic of qualifications.
