Location : Melbourne | Northern Metropolitan
Job type : Full time / Fixed term until : 18-AUG-2025
Organisation : Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Occupation : Community Services
Reference : VG / DFFH / ND / 454560 / 2
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.
THE ROLE
The Child Protection Practice Leader (Sexual Exploitation) plays a critical role in the protection of children and young people from sexual exploitation and is responsible for providing expert practice advice and leadership; supporting and developing Child Protection Practitioners and other key partners in the integration of theory and practice while demonstrating expertise through case management interventions, systems development, and relationship building, and bringing about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability, and development of children and young people. A key purpose of this role is to more effectively identify children at risk of sexual exploitation, work with Victoria Police to prevent it, and support young people to recover.
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 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
1. Risk assessment and analysis: provides support, guidance, and advice to the broader sector and community partners/stakeholders. Further develops and coaches others in their understanding of risk assessment and analysis.
2. Case planning review and case management: directly supports and inputs into cases where there is unacceptable risk to the child.
3. Problem solving: understands the broader issues and political dimensions of a problem. Creates an environment that allows for proactive and shared problem solving, supporting the team to use their strengths to resolve issues. Encourages staff to use reflective practice and theoretical frameworks when analyzing problems. Understands the breadth and scope of problems and can identify when consultation is necessary.
4. Practice leadership: expertly translates best practice principles and legislative requirements to apply in practice.
5. System leadership: uses formal and informal relationships to build buy-in and support from key internal and external clients or stakeholders.
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.
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 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.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
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