Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 850844
Location: 5007 - HINDMARSH, 5042 - ST MARYS
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time temporary vacancies available until January 2027
Remuneration: AHP2 ($94,997 – $110,052) / PO2 ($91,565 – $106,074) plus 12% super

We are seeking experienced Senior Social Workers or Senior Professional Officers to join our Kinship Care teams. Full-time temporary vacancies are available across our Hindmarsh and Inner South (St Marys) offices, where you will play a key role in strengthening kinship care and improving outcomes for children and young people.

Drawing on your expertise, you will provide specialist support and guidance, mentor colleagues, influence best practice and help deliver positive, lasting outcomes for children, families and communities.

These vacancies may be filled by either a qualified Social Worker (AHP2) or Professional Officer (PO2), depending on the successful applicant's 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).

In this role, you will:

• Lead culturally safe, best-practice support for kinship carers, helping improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people
• Mentor Kinship Care Workers through expert guidance, coaching and professional practice leadership
• Drive meaningful service improvements by shaping policies, practices and innovative approaches to kinship care
• Collaborate with carers, Care Teams and key stakeholders to strengthen kinship placements and build lasting, positive partnerships
• Improve service quality by influencing practice, supporting reform initiatives and contributing to better outcomes for children and families.

About you:

• You build trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and thrive in collaborative environments
• You understand the importance of culturally safe, trauma-informed practice
• You communicate with confidence, adapting your approach to engage and influence a wide range of people
• You enjoy mentoring and developing others, facilitating reflective practice and helping teams grow their capability
• You think critically, navigate complexity with confidence and deliver practical, child-focused solutions.

Salary: 
AHP2: $94,997 – $110,052 p.a. + 12% super
+4% child protection allowance
+Professional Development Allowance - entitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses 
+Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role.

PO2: $91,565 – $106,074 p.a. + 12% super  
+additional child protection allowance.

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

• 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 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 Julie Powell - Manager for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: 0427 610 250 or email: julie.powell@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: 21/07/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Kinship 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.