Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 850923
Location: 5723 - COOBER PEDY, 0872 - ANANGU PITJANTJATJARA YANKUNYTJATJARA
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time term vacancy available until 24 December 2026
Remuneration: AHP1 ($73,710 - $89,981) plus 12% superannuation

This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984.

We are seeking to appoint an Aboriginal Family Practitioner, working across Coober Pedy and the APY Lands. In this role, you’ll work alongside Aboriginal families to build on their strengths and support positive outcomes for children and young people. It’s an opportunity to make a genuine difference by supporting safer, stronger futures for Aboriginal communities.

To find out more about working in the region, visit working with us in regional South Australia.

Essential Qualification:

• A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Persons of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who have the appropriate background and skills but do not have the essential qualification, may apply for and be engaged/assigned to the role of Social Worker and will be entitled to apply for any Allied Health Professional roles requiring a qualification in Social Work within the Department for Child Protection (DCP).

In this role, you will:

• Support Aboriginal children and families by responding to child protection concerns with care, respect and cultural understanding
• Build trusted relationships with Aboriginal families, communities and partner services to achieve positive, lasting outcomes
• Work alongside colleagues to assess risks, strengthen family wellbeing and promote the safety of children
• Empower families by recognising their strengths, connecting them with the right supports and helping them achieve sustainable change
• Champion culturally safe practice that supports Aboriginal children and communities.

About you:

• You are passionate about improving outcomes for Aboriginal children, families and communities
• You build genuine, respectful relationships and work collaboratively with others
• You are committed to culturally safe, strengths-based practice
• You stay organised, think critically and respond confidently in complex situations
• You see strengths in people and work alongside families to support positive, lasting change.

What’s in it for you:

• Daily Camp Allowance where applicable for regional work
• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact
• Flexible working options with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
• Paid Parental and Partner Leave – additional paid time to support you and your growing family
• Recognition and Growth – we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP
• Salary Packaging – reduce your taxable income with a range of pre-tax benefits
• Health and Fitness Perks – free flu vaccination plus access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family
• Wellbeing Support - confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

See our full list of benefits. 

About DCP

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

Special Conditions:

• You must have a current Working With Children Check.

For the purpose of this advertisement and links provided, the term Aboriginal is used to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within South Australia. This is not intended to exclude Torres Strait Islander people, or people that identify as being of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

For a successful application you will need to respond to all points listed under the your capabilities section of the attached role description. Please also note any special conditions that may be listed.

Want to know more?  

Contact Amelia Denton - Business Manager for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: 0473 625 701 or email: amelia.denton@sa.gov.au.

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.

To apply for this role, please click on the apply button to be redirected to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications close: 22/07/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Aboriginal Family Practitioner - AHP1.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.