Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 840416
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time term vacancy available until 23 July 2027
Remuneration: PO2 $91,565 - $106,074 / AHP2 $91,785 - 106,330 plus 12% superannuation

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Social Worker or Senior Placement Officer to join our Placement Services team. This is a single vacancy offered under a dual classification, meaning it may be filled by either a qualified Senior Social Worker (AHP2) or Senior Professional Officer (PO2), depending on the qualifications and suitability of the successful applicant.

This position offers the opportunity to apply your professional judgement and expertise within a purpose driven organisation, focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. The role sits within a collaborative team dedicated to ensuring children and young people in care are provided with placement options that support their safety, stability, and development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing professional assessments to guide placement decisions in the best interests of children and young people
• Receiving placement requests and ensuring the timely provision of high-quality information
• Managing placement referral processes in partnership with government and non-government agencies
• Undertaking quality assurance processes for children and young people entering care through thorough systemic checks
• Advising and guiding internal and external stakeholders on placement options that best meet individual needs.

To be successful:
You will demonstrate sound knowledge of the legislative and practice frameworks that underpin child protection work and be able to apply this knowledge with sound judgement, impartiality, and a solution focused approach, particularly in situations requiring clarity and resolution.

You will bring highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to adapt your style to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Experience in managing competing priorities, navigating complex situations, and facilitating constructive discussions will support your success in this role.

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).
  
  
• PO (Professional Officer) positions are open to applicants with qualifications in Community Services, Sociology, Criminology, Justice, Correctional Practice, Social Sciences, Health, Human Services, Mental Health or other related fields.

Income & Benefits:

• AHP Position
• Salary: AHP2 $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: An additional 4% allowance for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, positioning DCP as one of the highest-paying government employers in South Australia.
• Professional Development:
  o   $1,000 professional development allowance, increasing annually
  o   Reimbursement of professional development expenses up to $1,500 (AHP2 level)
• Additional Allowances:
  Qualifications Allowance: Available for eligible higher qualifications relevant to the role.

PO Position

• Salary: PO2 $91,565 – $106,074 p.a. + 12% super
• Child Protection Allowance: Professional Officers working in child protection receive a dedicated allowance paid fortnightly, with incremental increases aligned to the Enterprise Agreement.
  This allowance reflects the specialist nature of child protection work and recognises the professional expertise Professional Officers bring to supporting children and young people.

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, with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
• Recognition and growth, with opportunities to develop and progress 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, including confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

If you are committed to working collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people, 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: Emma Young – Supervisor on 0408 207 083 or email: emma.young3@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: 16/04/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Placement Officer Placement Services - PO2.pdf
- Role Description Senior Social Worker Placement Services - AHP2.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.