The Victorian government is launching a new recruitment drive to help keep children safe and families strong, calling on new graduates and career changers in Werribee to consider joining the ranks of Victoria’s child protection workforce.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is calling on locals to consider a rewarding career in child protection following the launch of the Go Where You’re Needed campaign, which aims to recruit more than 280 new child protection practitioners across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

The campaign, which will run across radio, print and online, showcases the benefits of a career in child protection, which provides many opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

There are a broad range of roles to choose from across various levels, which offer professional development, career progression and the chance to work with diverse and dynamic teams across the state.

With enhanced workforce support, job flexibility and training, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in child protection.

Ben Dunn is proud to have worked as a child protection practitioner for almost three years and encourages people to “just give it a go”.

“The reward from the job far outweighs any challenges or difficult days, and you get to keep children safe and see families change for the better,” he said.

“There are small, beautiful moments all the time and the kids just make you smile – like when you see how far they’ve come in situations due to those supports we’ve put in place.”

The campaign follows the launch of the Child Protection Workforce Strategy 2021 and was created with input from practitioners and industry experts.

The Government has invested an unprecedented $2.2 billion in transforming the children and families system over the last two Victorian Budgets – including $171 million to boost the number of child protection staff on the frontline in the Victorian Budget 2021/22. This brings the total to more than 1,180 new positions since 2014.

To learn more about available child protection jobs, visit vic.gov.au/childprotectionjobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Protection Luke Donnellan

“Growing up my own mum worked in child protection, so I know first-hand how this sector offers a challenging and rewarding career for anyone wanting to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“If you want a meaningful career that can change the lives of vulnerable children and keep families strong, child protection offers a range of roles for different skillsets.”

“Whether you’re a recent graduate, changing careers or already work in human services, I urge you to consider a job in child protection.”