Qualifications for careers in the Victorian child
protection program
January 2014
The qualifications of candidates who apply for a child protection practitioner role (CPP3 – CPP6) or entry into the Child
Protection Student Placement program will be screened against the audited list of qualifications as outlined in Table
1.
Suitable qualifications have been placed in Category A, B, or C.
Category A- Preferred: The curriculum content of these degrees is most compatible with the graduate attributes
sought for entry into Child protection practitioner positions. These courses include specific child wellbeing and
protection core curriculum which encompasses the basic attitudes, values, knowledge and practice skills needed to
promote the wellbeing of children, young people, and families and to prevent or respond to child abuse and neglect.
Supervised practical placements form a core component of the program. The Australian Association of Social Workers
(AASW) accredits these degrees.
Category B- Relevant qualifications: These courses are at minimum bachelor level degrees with child protection
associated core content including child development (comprising physical, cognitive, social and emotional
development), human behaviour (that is, how behaviour is shaped by biology, learning experiences, cognitive, social
and cultural factors), family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma. These courses may contain units of study in
counselling, casework practice and/or a supervised practical placement.
Category C: Minimum education requirements: The following qualifications are the minimum education
requirements for entry into a Child protection practitioner role. These courses are at minimum diploma level
qualifications and are studied over at least two academic years of full time study (or part time equivalent). They
include child protection associated core content including child development, human behaviour, family dynamics
and/or impacts of trauma. These courses also include a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field work placement
ideally completed within the child and family welfare sector, and at least one unit of study in case management, case
work practice or counselling. The Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) approves these courses.
Please note:





Candidates may hold multiple qualifications, none of which are in Category A, B or C but the qualifications, in
combination, may meet the minimum education requirements. Course combinations will be reviewed on a
case by case basis.
The audit of Category B qualifications was based on courses offered in Victoria only. Interstate qualifications,
and other relevant degrees not listed, must meet the criteria outlined in Category B.
Table 1 comprises a list of approved courses currently offered by education institutes in Australia.
Applicants, who have either completed their qualification prior to the audit date, have completed a
discontinued course, or hold an overseas qualification, must meet the criteria outlined in Category A, B or
C. Applicants may be required to have their qualification individually assessed for eligibility for membership
with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
(APAC) or Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
For information on the recruitment of overseas candidates, please refer to the overseas recruitment policy
for the Victorian child protection program.
This list does not guarantee a candidate entry into the child protection program. This list is also subject to
change without notice. Please refer to the internet site for the most
up to date version of this
document.
For more information please contact the People and Culture Branch - Lisa Schilling on 9096 3207
(lisa.schilling@dhs.vic.gov.au)
Updated 1 January 2014
1
Table 1: Qualifications for careers in the Victorian child protection program –January 2014
Next formal audit date: January 2015
Category A- Preferred
VICTORIA
Education Provider
Title
Deakin University
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
La Trobe University
Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Monash University
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Royal Melbourne Institute of
Technology
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
The University of Melbourne
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Victoria University of Technology
Bachelor of Social Work
NEW SOUTH WALES & AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Education Provider
Title
Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Bachelor of Theology/ Bachelor of Social Work,
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts (ANU)/ Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
University of New England
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
University of New South Wales
Bachelor
Bachelor
Bachelor
Bachelor
University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Social Work
of
of
of
of
Social
Social
Social
Social
Work
Work/Bachelor of Laws
Work/Bachelor of Arts
Work/Bachelor of Social Science
Updated 1 January 2014
2
Category A- Preferred
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
University of Western Sydney
Bachelor of Social Work
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Flinders University of South Australia
Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
University of South Australia
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)/Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)/Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
TASMANIA
University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
QUEENSLAND
Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Central Queensland University
Bachelor of Social Work
Griffith University
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
James Cook University
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Social
Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Southern Cross University
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
University of Queensland
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Social Science
Master of Social Work Studies
University of Sunshine Coast
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Curtin University of Technology
Bachelor of Social Work
Edith Cowan University
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Charles Darwin University
Bachelor of Social Work
Note: Social Work degrees must be accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers
(AASW). Please refer to www.aasw.asn.au for a list of previously approved courses.
Updated 1 January 2014
3
Category B- Relevant
VICTORIA
Education Provider
Title
Australian Institute of
Professional Counsellors
(AIPC)
Australian College of Applied
Psychology
Bachelor of Counselling
Australian Catholic University
Deakin University
Federation University
(previously known as
University of Ballarat and
Monash University, Churchill
campus)
La Trobe University
Monash University
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Social Science (Behavioural Science)
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Youth Work
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (for graduates of other disciplines)
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Clinical Counselling
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Master in Psychology (Educational and Developmental)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours)
Bachelor of Arts– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Honours)
Bachelor of Health Sciences– majors: Psychology*, Family, Society and Health
Bachelor of Psychology
Bachelor of Science– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours)
Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies (for graduates of other disciplines)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Bachelor of Arts– majors: Psychology*
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Honours)
Bachelor of Arts (Rural Social Welfare)
Bachelor of Community Welfare and Counselling
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Graduate Diploma in Rural Social Welfare
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Clinical Neuropsychology
Master of Clinical Psychology
Master of Counselling Psychology
Bachelor of Arts– major: Psychology*, Psychological studies
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Bachelor of Behavioural Neuroscience- majors: Psychology
Bachelor of Behavioural Neuroscience (with Honours) (Psychology)
Bachelor of Behavioural Science– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Business (Psychology)
Bachelor of Nursing (Psychological Science)
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business (Honours)
Bachelor of Psychology (with Honours)
Bachelor of Science– majors: Psychology*
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) – major: Psychology*
Updated 1 January 2014
4
Swinburne University of
Technology
Tabor College Victoria
The University of Melbourne
RMIT
Victoria University

Bachelor of Social Welfare
Master of Social Work (Forensic Studies)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (for graduates of other disciplines)
Diploma of Psychology (undertaken concurrently with another degree)
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Master of Psychology (Counselling)
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)
Bachelor of Arts – major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Forensic Science)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sport Science)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Psychophysiology)
Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology)
Bachelor of Business– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Community Health
Bachelor of Science– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Psychophysiology)
Bachelor of Social Science– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (for graduates of other disciplines)
Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Psychological Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology
Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology)
Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Master of Social Science (Human Services- Counselling)
Bachelor of Arts- major: Psychology
Bachelor of Arts (Counselling)
Bachelor of Arts (Youth Work)
Bachelor of Arts– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Commerce– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Science– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Science (Honours)– major: Psychology*
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Educational Psychology
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Psychology)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours)
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Graduate Diploma in Behavioural Science (for graduates of other disciplines)
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)
Bachelor of Social Science (Youth Work)
Bachelor of Arts– major: Psychology*
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Youth Studies)
Bachelor of Youth Work
Bachelor of Psychological Studies
Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours)
Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology
Graduate Diploma in Psychological Studies
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology)
Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Refers to majors that are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Non-APAC
accredited psychology majors may or may not cover all criteria in category B. This is dependant on the electives
completed by the candidate. It is recommended that the Workforce Development unit review the candidate’s
academic transcript to determine whether units within the course reflect the criteria outlined in Category B.
Updated 1 January 2014
5
Category C- Minimum
VICTORIA
Education Provider
Title
Advance TAFE (formerly East Gippsland TAFE)
Diploma of Community Services Work
Academies Australasia Polytechnic (formerly Ami
Education Pty Ltd RTO
Diploma of Community Services Work
Australian Institute of Technical Training RTO
Diploma of Community Services Work
Carrick Education
Diploma of Community Services Work
Chisholm Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Federation University (previously known as
Ballarat University and Monash University,
Churchill campus)
Associate Degree in Community Welfare and
Counselling
Diploma of Community Services Work
Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Holmesglen TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Institute of Tertiary and Higher Education
Australia (ITHEA)
Diploma of Community Services Work
Kangan Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Mansfield Adult Continuing Education Inc.
(MACE)
Diploma of Community Services Work
Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Stott’s College
Diploma of Community Services Work
Sunraysia TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Swinburne University of Technology
Diploma of Community Services Work
The Gordon
Diploma of Community Services Work
Wodonga Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Victoria University
Diploma of Community Services Work
South West Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
NEW SOUTH WALES & AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Education Provider
Title
Nirimba College (formerly Western Sydney
TAFE)- Quakers Hill campus
Diploma of Community Services Work
South Western Sydney Institute of TAFEGranville campus
Diploma of Community Services Work
TAFE NSW (Sydney Institute, Sutherland
College)
Diploma of Community Services Work
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Education Provider
Title
TAFE SA North – Port Adelaide
Diploma of Community Services Work
TASMANIA
Updated 1 January 2014
6
Category C- Minimum
Education Provider
Title
NIL
QUEENSLAND
Education Provider
Title
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE- Brackenridge
and Caboolture campuses
Diploma of Community Services Work
Lifetime International Training CollegeCoolangatta/Southport campuses
Diploma of Community Services Work
Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Community Services Work
Southbank Institute of TAFE- South Brisbane
campus
Diploma of Community Services Work
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Education Provider
Title
Central Institute of Technology- Leederville
campus
Diploma of Community Services Work
Challenger Institute of Technology- Beaconsfield
and Mandurah campuses
Diploma of Community Services Work
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Education Provider
Title
NIL
Note: Diplomas must be approved by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
Please refer to www.acwa.org.au for a list of previously approved courses.
Updated 1 January 2014
7
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the purpose of the audit?
2. What were the criteria for the audit?
3. How was the audit completed?
4. What were the findings of the audit?
5. Why is my qualification not listed in the table of qualifications?
6. Will the Department of Human Services work with education institutes who courses do not
meet the requirements as stated in the endorsed categories?
7. What qualification do I need to enter the Child Protection Student Placement program?
8. How often will the list of qualifications be updated?
9. What is the situation for overseas recruits?
10. What if I have completed more than one qualification and none of them are on the list?
two or more qualifications equate to an acceptable minimum qualification?
Can
1. What was the purpose of the audit?
The role of the child protection practitioner is increasingly complex, requiring specialist child welfare
knowledge as well as the ability to exercise legal delegations. As such, it is paramount that child
protection practitioners are well prepared and able to practice in this dynamic and challenging
environment.
Working toward becoming a competent, and confident practitioner commences prior to employment and
during a practitioner’s academic years of study. It is essential that qualifications deliver a suitable
curriculum and develop graduate attributes required for entry into a child protection practitioner role.
The purpose of the audit is to work toward building a professional child protection workforce by:




Addressing the quality assurance issues surrounding courses and the lack of clarity regarding
“similar welfare-related qualifications”.
Ensuring a list of qualifications that meets minimum standards for child protection practice
Expanding the pool of appropriate potential applicants that can be effectively targeted for
recruitment.
Providing a foundation to establish a more consistent approach to recruiting.
2. What were the criteria for the audit?
This audit assessed compliance with the following criteria:



Child Protection Capability Framework
Mandatory education qualifications for entry into a child protection practitioner role
Best interests case practice model.
Clearly defined categories, outlining criteria reflective of the Child Protection Capability Framework,
mandatory education qualifications for entry into a child protection practitioner role and the Best interests
case practice model were developed. These categories are:
Updated 1 January 2014
8
Category A- Preferred: The curriculum content of these degrees are most compatible
with the graduate attributes sought for entry into Child protection practitioner positions.
These courses include specific child wellbeing and protection core curriculum that
encompasses the basic attitudes, values, knowledge and practice skills needed to promote
the wellbeing of children, young people, and families and to prevent or respond to child
abuse and neglect. Supervised practical placements form a core component of the
program. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredits these degrees.
Category B- Relevant qualifications: These courses are at minimum bachelor level
degrees with child protection associated core content including child development
(comprising physical, cognitive, social and emotional development), human behaviour
(that is, how behaviour is shaped by biology, learning experiences, cognitive, social and
cultural factors), family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma. These courses may contain
units of study in counselling, casework practice and/or a supervised practical placement.
Category C: Minimum education requirements: The following qualifications are the
minimum education requirements for entry into a child protection practitioner role.
These courses are at minimum diploma level qualifications and are studied over at least
two academic years of full time study (or part time equivalent). They include child
protection associated core content including child development, human behaviour,
family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma. These courses also include 400 hours of
supervised field work placement ideally completed within the child and family welfare
sector, and at least one unit of study in case management, case work practice or
counselling. The Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) approves these
courses.
3. How was the audit completed?
The context, themes, curriculum content, duration, method of delivery and accreditation status of courses
across Victorian higher education providers, TAFES and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) were
reviewed and placed into the relevant category.
The following higher education accredited qualifications outlined in the Australian Qualifications
Framework (AQF) were audited against criteria stated in categories A & B:




Bachelor Degree
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Diploma
Master Degree
The following information was reviewed by accessing online higher education course handbooks,
consulting directly with higher education academics and professional associations relevant to the
qualification:







Course description, objectives, and structure
Study mode and location
Standard duration of study
Majors
Core units
Individual unit synopses and objectives
Education requirement of teaching staff
Updated 1 January 2014
9
The following higher education and Vocational Education and Training Sector (VET) accredited
qualifications as outlined in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) were reviewed as part of the
audit:



Associate Degree
Advanced Diploma
Diploma
Victorian higher education institutes and RTOs were directly contacted and their online course material
reviewed. Professional associations relevant to the qualification were also consulted and the following was
reviewed:












Course description
Occupational titles
Packaging rules
Core units (to ensure case management, case work practice or counseling formed part of the core
curriculum)
Group A, B, C and other relevant electives
Unit descriptors
Pre-requisites
Employability skills information
Elements and performance criteria
Required skills and knowledge
Evidence guides
Range statements
4. What were the findings of the audit?
The audit has created a hierarchy of preferred qualifications in Victoria that is consistent with other
Australian States and Territories. The audit confirmed that a degree in social work is the preferred
qualification for entry into child protection. As part of their accreditation with the Australian Association of
Social Workers (AASW), social work degrees include specific child wellbeing and protection curriculum
content and encompass the basic attitudes and values, knowledge and practice skills needed to promote
the wellbeing of children, young people, families, caregivers and to prevent and respond to child abuse
and neglect.
The audit has also clarified other relevant qualifications that have not been specifically articulated. While
not as compatible as the list of preferred qualifications, psychology courses accredited by the Australian
Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) are most relevant to, and suitable for the role of a child
protection practitioner. These accredited undergraduate courses provide graduates with core knowledge
and understanding of lifespan developmental psychology and how family, peers, and culture shape
physical, cognitive, and socio emotional development. Graduates are also equipped with a solid foundation
in human behaviour, motivation and emotion, intercultural diversity and the development of critical
thinking skills.
Other relevant degrees have been listed in Category B.
Category C reviews and lists the diplomas that meet our minimum education requirements.
This audit ensures that courses meet the criteria established by the program. It also ensures that
candidates who progress through the recruitment process have qualifications consistent with the Child
Protection Capability Framework.
5. Why is my qualification not listed in the table of qualifications?
There may be a number of reasons for this including:

The course curriculum, duration, accreditation, and/or field work placement hours did not meet the
criteria as stated in the categories at the time of the audit.
Updated 1 January 2014
10

The core (mandatory) units of the course did not meet the criteria as stated in the categories at
the time of the audit. As it is impossible to determine the elective units a candidate may have
completed as part of their course, individual academic transcripts will be reviewed to determine
whether the units completed meet the criteria stated in the endorsed categories.

The course has been discontinued and information regarding the course at the time it was offered
is not accessible.

The course is not offered in Victoria and therefore was not included in the audit. Interstate
qualifications will be individually assessed for equivalency.

The list is not exhaustive of all qualifications. We recommend you contact the Workforce
Development unit for clarification if unsure.
If you believe your qualification meets the requirements of an endorsed category, we encourage you to
apply.
6. Will the Department of Human Services work with education institutes whose courses do not
meet the requirements as stated in the endorsed categories?
The Department of Human Services is committed to building strategic and positive relationships with key
contacts from relevant faculties within Universities and TAFEs.
7. What qualification do I need to enter the Child Protection Student Placement program?
The Child Protection Student Placement program plays an integral role in attracting, recruiting and
retaining child protection practitioners. All students must be completing a recognised qualification.
8. How often will the list of qualifications be updated?
The list of qualifications will be formally audited and updated annually. Additionally, if the Workforce
Development Unit makes changes to the document, for instance to add a course, this document will be
updated to reflect the change. Therefore please ensure you refer to this “live” document on the internet if
your have queries about a course.
9. What is the situation for overseas recruits?
Candidates who do not have permanent residency require employer support with visa sponsorship. At the
time of application, candidates may be residing either in Australia (onshore) or outside of Australia
(offshore).
A candidate who is offshore and does not have permanent residency in Australia, must have at least two
years experience as a social worker in a comparable child protection program such as the United
Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. Candidates are only eligible for positions at the Advanced
Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4) level or above. The social work qualification must be accredited by
the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain
accreditation and provide proof of that accreditation to the department.
A candidate who is onshore, and does not have permanent residency in Australia, must have a social work
qualification that is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Candidates are
eligible to apply for an entry level practitioner (CPP3) role or the advanced child protection practitioner
role (CPP4). It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain accreditation and provide proof of that
accreditation to the department.
For further information on the recruitment of overseas candidates, please refer to the overseas
recruitment policy for the Victorian child protection program.
Updated 1 January 2014
11
10. What if I have completed more than one qualification and none of them are on the list? Can
two or more qualifications equate to an acceptable minimum qualification?
Certain qualifications in combination may be sufficient to meet the requirements for entry into a child
protection practitioner role. The Workforce Development Unit will assess course combinations against the
criteria outlined in Category A, B or C.
Updated 1 January 2014
12