The Community and Social Services Graduate Program is a 12-month whole-of-sector graduate program for community and social services.
We’re looking for:
- employers in the sector who want to access a pool of motivated, qualified graduates or support a recent employee
- recent graduates who want to develop new skills in a rewarding role.
Round 4 applications are now open.
Submissions close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 21 December 2025 for graduates and in March 2026 for employers.
Employers
Investing in graduates is important to build and retain a sustainable workforce.
That is why the Victorian Government is working with the social services sector to recruit, support and grow the workforce of the future.
You can hire a new graduate or nominate an existing employee who has been in their role for less than 12 months.
Through the program, your organisation will:
- receive $8,000 per graduate to support their professional development
- access a pool of motivated graduates with the right qualifications
- retain new workers by offering a supported early-career experience
- get support for graduate and supervisor training
- be able to apply for an additional $5,000 to support graduates in rural and regional locations.
Register to take part in the program via the employer portal. You can register at any time.
Once deemed eligible, you can apply via the portal.
- Vacancy pathway submissions close Friday 6 March 2026.
- Nomination pathway submissions close Friday 27 March 2026.
Learn more on the information for employers web page.
Graduates
Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of Victorians? Step into your career with the Community and Social Services Graduate Program.
We are looking for recent graduates from courses in community and social services. This includes new employees in the sector.
The 12-month program supports you to:
- grow your confidence as a practitioner
- develop new skills through professional development and on-the-job experience
- choose a role that suits your interests, skills and goals
- network with graduates across the community services sector.
The graduate program will help you find a rewarding role that is right for you.
Apply now via our application form.
Graduate applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 21 December 2025.
Learn more on the Community and social services graduate program web page.
More information
Contact the graduate program team at cassgraduateprogram@dffh.vic.gov.au.