Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 843491
Location: 5118 - GAWLER
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Multiple temporary full-time and part-time positions available
Remuneration: AHP1 ($71,217 - $86,938) / AHP2 ($91,785 - 106,330) / PO1 ($68,478 - $83,594) / PO2 ($91,565 - $106,074) + 12% super

Join our Gawler office, where multiple opportunities are available for Allied Health Professionals (AHP) and Professional Officers (PO) across Social Worker, Senior Social Worker, Case Manager and Senior Case Manager roles. These vacancies can be filled by either a qualified Allied Health Professional (Social Worker or Senior Social Worker) or a Professional Officer (Case Manager or Senior Case Manager), depending on your qualification and experience.

In these roles, you will respond to the needs of children and their families by undertaking high quality case management in accordance with statutory guidelines.

You will assist families by working in partnership with them to support the safe return of their children to their care, and work directly with children in care to assure their development, stability and security at all times.

Essential Qualifications

• 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, Sociology, Criminology, Justice, Correctional Practice, 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 these roles, you will:

• Use a solutions-based approach to case management
• Conduct investigations in a child-centred manner, with a focus on safety and support
• Assess risk, protective factors and family capacity using evidence-informed practice
• Support children in care and assist families toward reunification where appropriate
• Respond to notifications of abuse and reassess matters as new information emerges.

About you:

AHP1 / PO1

• You will have a sound understanding of child development, risk and resilience
• You will manage workloads, priorities and timeframes effectively
• You will build positive working relationships across teams and services
• You will apply culturally responsive practice with diverse families
• You have the ability to assess needs and respond to complex situations.

AHP2 / PO2

• You use influence and negotiation to mediate conflict and achieve effective outcomes
• You have demonstrated ability in providing written and verbal reports based on the analysis of evidence
• You can develop staff capability and apply social work methods to support critical thinking and reflective practice.

Salary:

AHP1 ($71,217 - $86,938) + 12% super / AHP2 ($91,785 - 106,330) + 12% super
+ 4% child protection allowance
+ Professional Development Allowance
+ Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role.

AHP2 positions are also entitled to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses through the Professional Development Allowance.

PO1 ($68,478 - $83,594) + 12% super / PO2 ($91,565 - $106,074) + 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.

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.

Want to know more?  

Contact Teegan Pearce - Practice Leader for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: (08) 8521 4444 or email: teegan.pearce@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: 14/05/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Child Protection Case Manager-Senior Case Manager - PO1-PO2 .pdf
- Role Description - Social Worker-Senior Social Worker DCP offices Call Centre AHP1-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.