Child protection applicants

Child Protection practitioners are tertiary qualified statutory professionals responsible for the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and youth. To recruit a child protection worker, the department uses a thorough and objective process to assess applicants' skills, knowledge and personal qualities (key selection criteria). The recruitment process takes approximately six weeks from date of advertisement to a formal offer of employment.

Recruitment cycle

The Child Protection program uses a monthly recruitment cycle to recruit entry level child protection staff. Successful applicants are expected to commence employment on a specified date. If you are not able to commence on the specified date, please speak to the selection panel at time of interview. Note: This will not adversely affect decisions about your suitability. 

• Download Information for Applicants - Entry Level Child Protection [PDF, 87kb]

If you need help or more information on the process contact our helpline (03) 8632 9900 or call 1300 888 033.

You need to complete each of the following stages to qualify for a position of child protection practitioner.

The department is committed to recruiting well. Our recruitment process requires safety screening checks to ensure the right people are selected. That is, people who provide quality services, a safe environment to our vulnerable clients and who can uphold the department's organisational values.

The selection process may take between six and eight weeks after applications close.

You may receive written acknowledgement of receipt of your application within one week of the closing date. If you apply online you will receive the acknowledgement as an automated response where an email contact has been provided.

For information on the department's privacy policy and information sotorage policies can be found on the Other relevant information page.