Pre-employment checks
If you successfully complete the preceding stages you are considered to be a highly competitive applicant.
A competitive applicant must undergo the following checks:
1. Working with Children Check (WWCC)
The WWCC is a mandatory screening process for all people in Victoria who work or volunteer directly with children. Since 1 July 2006 it is an offence under the Working with Children Act 2005, for the department to employ a Child Protection Practitioner unless they have an Assessment Notice.
- The check involves the assessment of an individual's criminal history and professional disciplinary record, with a focus specifically on offences that present a risk to the safety of children.
- Applicants will receive an Assessment Notice if they have no relevant criminal offences or professional disciplinary findings.
- The WWCC check will be valid for a period of five years and will be monitored by the Department of Justice.
For more information on the WWCC:
- http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren or
- Call the confidential hotline on 1300 652 879.
What you need to do
Applicants must apply for a WWCC prior to receiving a formal employment offer as follows:
- Complete the application form at a participating Australia Post outlet - the cost is $71.70 payable when you lodge the application
- Gather necessary proof of identity documents
Change of Personal Details if you hold a WWCC card
If you already hold a Working with Children Check card and have recently changed your name, home address, contact phone numbers or commence work at this department, you must also update your records.
2. Referee Check
Referee checks are generally undertaken on competitive applicants. The referee check will include questions relating to the applicant's skills and experience against the key selection criteria, as well as previous conduct and behaviour in the workplace. If the panel determines that they need to speak to another referee, they must inform the candidate prior to making contact.
What you need to do
Provide a minimum of two referees in your application. This must include your current or most recent supervisor.
3. National Criminal History (police) Records check
A National Criminal History (police) Records check is undertaken for all competitive applicants. It is conducted to establish if an individual has a criminal record and to assess the relevance of that record within the context of the department's work environment and the role the applicant is applying for.
- If your application is successful you will be required to pay for your own check. Payment will be deducted from your first fortnightly pay.
- If your application is not successful, any documentation collected, excluding the original consent form, will be securely destroyed.
- The results of the check will remain the property of the Department of Human Services, and will be stored in line with the Information Privacy Act 2000. For full details on this refer to Other relevant information section of this website.
What you need to do
A competitive applicant needs to:
- Complete ‘Consent to Check and Release National Criminal History Record" form. A 'Proof of Identity’ check will also be conducted.
- Download the following automated form Consent to Check and Release National Criminal History Record and Proof of Identity form [PDF, 88kb]
4. Proof of Identity Check
As part of the National Police Records Check you are required to establish your identity in the community. This is achieved by providing documentation from each of the following categories:
Please note that all documentation must be current.
Category A - Commencement of identity in the community
- Australian birth certificate (full, certified)
- Current Australian passport
- Citizenship certificate
- Certificate of evidence of resident status
- Foreign passport and current visa or travel document and
- Current Australian visa
Category B - Link between the identity and person by means of a photo and signature
- Current Australian passport
- Certificate of Identity issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
- Firearms or shooters licence
- Overseas passport
- Australian motor vehicle photo licence
Category C - Operation of identity in the community
- Document from category A or B that has not been used to satisfy these categories
- Name change certificate or Deed poll
- Australian marriage certificate
- Australian divorce papers
- Current bank passbook/credit card/ATM or cheque account
- Term deposit notice
- Medicare card
- Professional registration certificate
- Motor vehicle registration
Category D - Residential address of the identity
- Evidence of residential address already provided by category B or C document
- Bank Statement
- Rates notice
- Mortgage papers
- Lease or tenancy agreement
- Utility account
- Electoral enrolment card
What you need to do
A competitive applicant will need to provide original documents as proof of identity.