Applications for the 2025 Child Protection Employment Program have now closed.
Recruitment for the CPEP program opens in June / July each year for the following year’s program.
The Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) is a paid employment program where you experience working in child protection.
Program participants work in a structured and supportive learning environment alongside experienced practitioners to gain a valuable understanding of the child protection role.
About Child Protection
The work in child protection is varied. A typical day might involve:
- supervising access visits between children and their families,
- transporting children to services and visits,
- supporting the provision of in-home support to families, and
- documenting case notes under the direction of an experienced practitioner.
About the program
This is a 12-week full-time or 16-week part-time program. Currently there are two commencement dates each year, January and March.
CPEP/CPP2 Salary: You will be earning a salary equivalent of $60,915 (full-time equivalent) plus superannuation (pro-rata) for the 12 or 16 weeks.
Upon completion of the program and obtaining qualifications, participants may progress into an entry-level qualified Child Protection Practitioner CPP3 level of $76,817 (full-time equivalent).
Program Eligibility
To apply for the program, you will need:
- to have completed or are currently studying a social work, welfare, community, or behavioural qualification/s (or similar),
- to be available to work 3 to 5 days per week (7 hours, 36 minutes per day) for the duration of the program.
- Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or hold a valid work visa,
- a current Victorian driver's licence,
- to have (or be prepared to obtain) a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check.
Please note: roles in child protection are classified by the Child Protection Practitioner (CPP) grading system. The CPEP program is an entry pathway into a CPP3 position, therefore, candidates will need have or be studying a qualification that meets the grade and entry requirements of a CPP3 position as outlined under: Qualifications and requirements on the Child Protection Jobs website.
Opportunities are available across Victoria, in both metropolitan and regional offices. We have offices located state wide.
To check the full list of locations, visit Locations | Child Protection Jobs - DFFH
Program Benefits
As a a Victorian government employee, you will have access to a broad range of benefits. These include access to professional development opportunities through training programs, peer support networks and health initiatives.
Working in child protection, you will have access to a dedicated and free wellbeing and support program. This program is specifically designed to support our child protection employee's mental health and wellbeing.
Make the decision to pursue a fulfilling professional career and make a difference in vulnerable children's lives.
Go Where You’re Needed – Do a Job that Matters.