The Child Protection Employment Program is a paid 12-week full-time or 16-week part-time program.
It gives students and graduates in social work and related fields the experience of what it’s like to work in child protection.
Participants will work:
- in a structured and supportive learning environment
- alongside experienced practitioners.
The program is an entry pathway to a child protection practitioner role (CPP3 level).
Working in child protection offers many benefits including:
- flexible work options
- generous leave
- ongoing training and development
- access to wellbeing and support programs.
Applications for the 2026 intake are now open and will close on Sunday 3 August 2025, 11:59 pm.
Regional applicants
Are you located in regional Victoria and interested in completing a student placement while you participate in the paid Child Protection Employment Program? Visit the CPEP webpage, where you will find more information on the program.
The program offers 2 start dates – in January 2026 and March 2026. If you're applying to work in one of our regional Victorian locations and would like to start earlier, the program will try to accommodate you.
For more information, visit the Child Protection Employment Program webpage.
If you have any questions, email childprotectionjobs@dffh.vic.gov.au.
You can also find us at the Melbourne Career Expo on Sunday 27 July 2025 to find out more about the program.