Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 839932
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time term vacancy available until 18 December 2026
Remuneration: AHP2 $91,785 - 106,330 plus 12% superannuation

Make a real impact as a Family Based Post Care Practitioner with the Carer Services directorate in Adelaide. This role places you at the heart of supporting young people transitioning from care into adulthood, helping them build independence and confidence for the future. You will work directly with young people, families and service providers to create meaningful pathways forward. If you are passionate about empowering young people and creating lasting change, this is your opportunity to be part of something truly important.

Make Your Qualification Go Further:
Same degree, more reward. At DCP, social workers receive the highest pay in the SA Government, thanks to an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in our Enterprise Agreement. Combine that with up to $2,500 annual professional development support, clear pathways for advancement, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy in child protection, and your qualification goes further here than anywhere else.

Why Work with DCP?
At the Department for Child Protection, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll discover a career where your skills are valued, your impact is meaningful, and your rewards are unmatched.

We play a key role in protecting children, young people, and their families in South Australia, providing support to help vulnerable individuals be safe, strong, and connected.

Why you’ll love it here, DCP benefits that matter:
We know a great career is about more than the work you do. It is also about feeling supported, valued, and able to thrive. At DCP, you will enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people committed to best practice and meaningful impact
• Flexible work options, tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
• Recognition and growth, celebrating achievements and supporting development opportunities across DCP
• Generous leave, including leave loading to help you rest and recharge
• Paid parental and partner leave, providing additional paid time to support you and your family
• Health and fitness perks, including discounted Fitness Passport memberships and free flu vaccinations
• Wellbeing support, confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

Essential Qualification:

• AHP (Allied Health Professional) positions are designed for applicants who hold a Social Work qualification and are eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Income & Benefits:

• Salary: AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA
• Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP2 level)
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Support – free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
• Recognition – annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

In this role, you will:

• Support young people to build independent living skills within family settings
• Strengthen relationships with carers and promote culturally responsive practice
• Coordinate services across multiple providers to meet individual needs
• Provide expert advice to staff on post care programs and pathways.

To be successful:
You will be an allied health professional with experience in child protection, out of home care or post care services, bringing strong assessment capability and a commitment to improving outcomes for young people. Your ability to interpret legislation, policies and best practice frameworks will support informed decision making in complex situations.

You will also demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build trusted relationships with young people, carers and stakeholders. Experience supporting young people to access services such as housing, education, employment and health will be highly regarded, along with the ability to coordinate supports across multiple providers.

Professional integrity, cultural awareness and a collaborative approach will define your work style. You value inclusive practice, respond respectfully to diverse perspectives and contribute to a safe and supportive environment for colleagues and clients. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

Special Conditions:

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).

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.

Enquiries: Luz Avella Latorre – Supervisor on 0487 211 678 or email: luza.avella@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: 14/04/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Family Based Post Care Practitioner - AHP2-PO2.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.