Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 853049
Location: 5540 - PORT PIRIE, 5600 - WHYALLA, 5606 - PORT LINCOLN, 5700 - PORT AUGUSTA, 5690 - CEDUNA
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Multiple full-time temporary vacancies available until 30 June 2027
Remuneration: AHP3 ($112,139 - $120,284) / AHP2 ($94,997 - $110,052) / PO3 ($111,870 - $119,994) / PO2 ($94,769 - $109,787) + 12% super

Our Far North Far West (FNFW) team has multiple opportunities available across a range of roles and classifications.

The FNFW team provides child protection services across the Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla regions, supporting children, young people and families through culturally responsive practice. Applicants will be asked to nominate their location preferences as part of the selection process.

Roles are available across the Allied Health Professional (AHP) and Professional Officer (PO) classification streams, providing experienced practitioners and leaders with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to regional communities.

We are seeking Supervisors (AHP3/PO3), Senior Practitioners (AHP2/PO2), Senior Social Workers (AHP2) and Senior Case Managers (PO2), to strengthen child protection practice through leadership, expertise and collaboration.

These vacancies can be filled by qualified Social Workers (AHP3/AHP2) or Professional Officers (PO2/PO3), depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

Essential Qualification:

• AHP (Allied Health Professional) positions require applicants to hold a Social Work qualification and be eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• PO (Professional Officer) positions require relevant qualifications in Community Services, Social Sciences, Human Services, Health or other related fields.

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).

As a Supervisor, you will:

• Drive high-quality, culturally responsive social work and case management practice
• Build team capability through coaching, mentoring and effective leadership
• Develop strong partnerships with agencies, community groups and stakeholders to strengthen service delivery.

As a Senior Practitioner, you will:

• Provide specialist practice guidance and consultation to support case management in diverse community contexts
• Strengthen practitioner capability through reflective learning, knowledge sharing and professional development
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of child protection practice and culturally responsive approaches.

As a Senior Social Worker/Senior Case Manager, you will:

• Deliver child-centred casework, assessments and interventions that respond to the needs of children and young people
• Work alongside children, families, carers and communities to build strengths and support safe, sustainable change
• Gather information, assess risk and make informed decisions to respond to child protection concerns.

About You:

• You build strong relationships with children, families, communities, colleagues and service partners to support collaborative practice
• You use sound judgement to assess complex situations, analyse information and make informed decisions
• You apply culturally responsive practice and demonstrate an understanding of the needs and experiences of diverse communities
• You communicate clearly through written and verbal reports, providing analysis, recommendations and evidence-based advice.

Salary and Benefits:

AHP3: $112,139 - $120,284 + 12% super
AHP2: $94,997 - $110,052 + 12% super

+4% child protection allowance
+Regional financial incentive 
+Professional Development Allowance and the entitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses 
+Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role
+Current DCP employees may negotiate FIFO/DIDO arrangements.

PO3: $111,870 - $119,994 + 12% super
PO2: $94,769 - $109,787 + 12% super

+additional child protection allowance
+Current DCP employees may negotiate FIFO/DIDO arrangements.

What’s in it for you – Perks That Matter: 
At DCP, these are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• Paid relocation expenses, government employee housing, and other benefits may also be available for some roles based in regional South Australia. To find out more about working in the region, visit working with us in regional South Australia
• 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 the Recruitment Pool:

We are establishing a pool of suitable candidates who have successfully completed a selection process for this role. Should you be successful, you will be advised (in writing) that you have been recommended onto this pool. During the time the pool is active you may be contacted and offered employment. You are not required to accept any or all offers made to you, and DCP does not guarantee an offer of employment.

PLEASE NOTE: DCP reserves the right to advertise similar positions outside of this pool process.

Find out more about our Recruitment Pool process.

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
• You must have a current Australian driver’s licence (P2 or above) and a willingness to drive.

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 Greg Dart - Practice Leader for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: 0437 132 029 or email: [email protected].

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: 30/06/2027 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Child Protection Supervisor - PO3.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Child Protection Case Manager - PO2.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Practitioner - AHP2 -PO2.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Social Worker - AHP2.pdf
- Role Description - Supervisor - AHP3.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.