General News
21 October, 2024
Child Protection officer opportunities, keeping vulnerable children safe
Child Protection Officer program opened for applications.
When Jorja Byrne graduates university in November, she'll immediately begin a full-time job, helping protect some of Victoria's most vulnerable children - something she's been doing part-time for the past four months thanks to a placement program.
Ms Byrne is studying a double degree in criminology and psychology at Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus.
Ms Byrne finished the 12-week program in April and received a conditional letter of offer pending the successful completion of her university qualifications.
She is among the 91 graduates from DFFH's (paid) CPEP who secured a job through the program and is now making vulnerable children in your community safer.
The program has been hugely with this year's program reducing the front line vacancy rate by almost a quarter.
In her search for potential future career paths, she found the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing's Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP), a paid opportunity where participants learn about child protection in a structured and supportive environment, while working alongside experienced practitioners.
"At the moment I'm working part-time, two days a week, in a Case Practice Support Worker role," she said. "I'll start in a full-time role once I'm finished university. It's fantastic to have that full-time job already lined up, in a space that I'm really passionate about and have experience in already thanks to the CPEP."
Although hailing from Geelong, Ms Byrne completed her CPEP placement in Horsham, in the Wimmera region.
She said getting experience in the regional setting was extremely valuable.
"I really loved working regionally - it was a great way to get into the child protection space and learn about all that goes into it," she said.
"I didn't know what to expect - with child protection, in the community you tend to hear some bad stuff, with this perception that workers are going into homes and taking children. But in reality, it's much more complicated than that. A child isn't removed unless it's deemed absolutely necessary because they're no longer safe or are at risk of harm and their parent is unable to protect them."
Ms Byrne recalled a case where she went with a practitioner to attend a home. An infant had to be removed from their mother given an unsafe environment for the child.
"That was obviously a sad situation, but we were able to place the baby with their grandparents, in a safe, supportive and happy environment," she said.
"During the CPEP and in my part-time role, I've loved being on the front line and having a meaningful impact on kids' lives. I get to connect directly with children and families. A lot of times, the adults just need an extra bit of support. We can then refer them to services or provide other guidance that improves things for them."
Ms Byrne said having the opportunity to establish and enhance real-world skills while studying has been incredible.
"I really encourage people to sign up if they have a passion for working with children, helping their community, or gaining some valuable experience while studying their final year of university," she said. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."
The CPEP will be open for applications again mid-2025. Those interested in graduate opportunities can apply for the Community and Social Services Graduate Program (CASS GP), which open for applications this month.
The Victorian Government has invested $4 billion over the past five state budgets to strengthen the Child Protection system to keep children safe and help families most in need.
This includes $171 million in the 2021-22 Victorian Budget to boost the number of child protection workers on the frontline and the 2024-25 Victorian Budget which invested a further $128 million to support the child protection workforce.
For more information about Child Protection jobs visit childprotectionjobs.dffh.vic.gov.au