On this page
About the program
Applications for the Switch to Child Protection program are now closed.
Switch to Child Protection offers a supported pathway to a career in Child Protection. The program supports successful candidates to complete a Graduate Certificate in Child Protection from La Trobe University with tuition fees fully covered while receiving on the job learning and an industry standard wage.
Between March and October 2024, successful candidates will:
- get paid while undertaking a fully subsidised Graduate Certificate in Child Protection
- receive training and on the job learning
- be employed at a base CPP4 level ($92,332 plus superannuation)
- receive supervision, mentoring and ongoing professional development
- have an ongoing position in child protection, subject to successful completion of the program.
Key dates
- Wednesday 10 January 2024 11.59 pm: applications closed.
- Thursday 11 or Friday 12 January 2024: shortlisted candidates invited to attend an interview / assessment process
- Monday 15 – Friday 19 January 2024: interview / assessment process
- Friday 2 February 2024: applicants notified about the final outcomes of their applications
- Friday 1 March 2024:
- Program commencement
- Participants employed as a full time Switch to Child Protection Interns by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (the department) at a CPP4 level
- Participants start with an induction to child protection at the department
- Between Monday 4 March and end of June 2024:
- Participants undertake the Graduate Certificate at La Trobe University in Bundoora – this consists of 2 days in person at the Bundoora campus, 2 days self-paced learning from home and 1 day working in Child Protection
- Between July and October 2024:
- Participants complete their university course and work full time at the department
- Participants commence with a reduced caseload and receive training and dedicated mentoring and supports
- From November 2024:Participants increase to a full caseload as a CPP4 and the program will end.
Contact us
If you have a query about the Switch to Child Protection program, please contact childprotectionjobs@dffh.vic.gov.au.
Supporting documents
Switch to Child Protection – Participant frequently asked questions (Word)