Why choose a career in child protection

If you’re a person who is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. As an essential worker, you’ll have an opportunity to make real change in communities, keeping children safe and families strong. You’ll find it challenging, rewarding and always changing. You will draw on your personal skills including thinking analytically, coming up with creative solutions, working well under pressure and collaborating with a diverse group of people towards a common goal. 

Careers in child protection can range from case practice support workers through to expert practice leaders. Your career will benefit from professional development, education and on the job training. You will be well supported as you work with others to make decisions that benefit the lives of children and families.

We’re building a better future for children, young people and families across the state. Our Roadmap for Reform: Strong families, safe children commits us to focusing on prevention and early intervention, adopting a more family-centred approach that addresses children’s and parents’ needs.

Child protection practitioners work for the Victorian Government to investigate the safety and wellbeing of children at risk. As essential front line workers, they receive and assess reports of alleged child abuse and neglect from the community. In more serious circumstances, practitioners may be involved in court action. To be an effective child protection practitioner, you will have a strong sense of social justice and understand that families are complex, with their own unique histories. Importantly, you will be able to build relationships with children, young people and their families. The work is interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling and involves therapeutic and analytical skills.

As an employee of the Victorian Government, you’ll also have a broad range of benefits. These include professional development through training programs and study leave. We support work-life balance with flexible working hours, generous leave entitlements and paid paternity leave. Child protection practitioners receive an additional five days of paid annual leave after 12 months of service.

You’ll also benefit from salary packaging and 10% employer super contribution. We can assist new starters with relocation assistance, regional orientation and a thorough induction.

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.  

The Child Protection Workforce Strategy 2021-2024 guides the attraction, retention, and development of the child protection workforce in Victoria to ensure it continues to meet current and future demand.

> Child Protection Workforce Strategy 2021–2024

> Child Protection Workforce Strategy 2021-2024 (accessible)