Child Welfare, Youth and Family Services jobs in Australia

Licensing

Licensing by state

There is no single national registration for this occupation, and social work itself is not a registered health profession in Australia — though many employers require eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers. What is mandatory is the child-related clearance for your state or territory, and every jurisdiction runs a different scheme with a different name, term and issuing body. Roles delivering NDIS supports to children and young people also require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Nearly all roles require a National Police Check, and many residential and out-of-home care roles require a driver licence and a first aid certificate. Mandatory reporting obligations are set by state legislation and differ in who is captured and what must be reported.

the Australian Capital Territory

Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration from Access Canberra. The ACT scheme covers work with vulnerable adults as well as children, which suits family services roles that span both.

New South Wales

Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance from the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian, verified online by the employer and valid five years. Out-of-home care providers must also be accredited by the Office of the Children's Guardian. NDIS roles need an NDIS Worker Check, also issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian.

the Northern Territory

Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card) through SAFE NT, valid two years. NDIS-funded youth and family work also requires an NDIS Worker Screening Check lodged via SAFE NT.

Queensland

Blue Card issued by Blue Card Services (Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety) under the 'no card, no start' rule. Statutory child protection roles sit with the same department and carry additional suitability requirements. NDIS-funded work with young people also needs an NDIS Worker Screening Check via the Queensland Worker Screening Unit.

South Australia

Working with Children Check from the DHS Screening Unit, valid five years with continuous monitoring. South Australia also requires Child Safe Environments training for many roles. NDIS work needs an NDIS Worker Check from the same DHS Screening Unit.

Tasmania

Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) from Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS), Department of Justice, registered under the child-related category and, where relevant, the NDIS category.

Victoria

Working with Children Clearance issued under the Worker Screening Act 2020 by Working with Children Check Victoria (Department of Justice and Community Safety). Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards obligations apply to the employing organisation. NDIS roles need a Victorian NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Western Australia

Working with Children (WWC) Check assessed by the WWC Screening Unit, Department of Communities — the same department that runs statutory child protection in WA. NDIS roles need an NDIS Worker Screening Check, also through the Department of Communities.