How to Apply
opportunities available across the Northern Territory including fulltime, part-time, graduate and placement positions.
Stage 1: Employment eligibility
What qualifications do I need?
Australian applicants
Pathway 1
A degree from an Australian tertiary institution which gives eligibility for membership of the:
- Australian Community Workers Association;
- Australian Association of Social Workers;
- Australian Psychological Society; or
- Equivalent.
Pathway 2
A Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention AND:
- Vocational Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice (Statutory Child Protection); OR
- Graduate Certificate in Safe Communities (Child Protection).
International applicants
If you’re applying from another country, your qualifications must be checked by one of the following organisations before submitting an application:
- Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
- Australian Association of Social Workers
- Australian Psychological Society.
For more information on visa requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
If you’re interested in moving from overseas, our team can help you navigate the process.
Stage 2: Apply
Apply to become a child protection practitioner through the Northern Territory Government jobs website and join the dedicated team at the Department of Children and Families supporting children and families across the Territory.
For more information, contact the recruitment team on choosechildprotection@nt.gov.au or call 08 8999 8404 or +61 8 8999 8404.
Stage 3: Assessment and selection
Once you have applied through the Northern Territory Government website, your application will be assessed by the recruitment team for further consideration.
Once assessed, successful applicants will be forwarded to a relevant selection panel for the final merit based selection process.
If you are unsuccessful at any stage you will promptly be notified.
Frequently asked questions
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- Child Protection Practitioner (P1): usually has up to 3 years of experience.
- Senior Practitioner (P2): usually has 3 to 5 years of experience.
- Team Leader or Practice Leader (P3), Manager or Senior Practice Leader (SP1): usually have more than 5 years of experience and have led teams before.
Each job level includes a description that explains the type of experience you need. Find out more on your role.
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We check applications in groups during the recruitment period.
If you apply through the special measures plan, we look at your application first.
All applications are reviewed using a fair and merit-based process.
If you are shortlisted, we will contact two of your referees to ask about your past work.
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When applying via our jobs portal, send:
- a short cover letter explaining your skills and experience
- a full resume (CV)
- certified copies of your qualifications.
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Yes. If you are moving from within Australia, we may help with:
- flights, fuel or temporary accommodation
- moving your household items, including your furniture and car
- a relocation allowance.
If you are moving from another country, we may help from your arrival point in Australia.
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If you work in a regional or remote area, you may be able to get government housing. This may include basic furniture.
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All new staff will receive a general induction and a 17-day child protection training program.
You may also be able to do more study, like a graduate certificate or diploma.
Find out more about training and support. Find out more about support and training.
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Child protection workers in the Northern Territory can grow their careers quickly.
We support staff to become leaders, and offer chances to work in city, regional and remote areas – giving you unique experiences not found in other parts of Australia.
Page last updated 29 September 2025