Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 848250
Location: 5343 - BERRI
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Multiple full-time temporary and ongoing vacancies available
Remuneration: AHP1 ($73,710 - $89,981) / AHP2 ($94,997 - 110,052) / PO1 ($68,478 - $83,594) / PO2 $91,565 - $106,074 + 12% super

Join our Berri 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.

Responding to the needs of children and their families, these roles provide high-quality case management in accordance with statutory guidelines. This involves working in partnership with families to support the safe return of children to their care, as well as working directly with children in care to promote their development, stability and security.

Our Berri team is highly collaborative, with a supportive and professional culture where colleagues work closely together. As part of the team, you will develop strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, many based within the local community, creating meaningful connection and impact.

These vacancies can be filled by either a qualified Social Worker (AHP1/AHP2) or Professional Officer (PO1/PO2), depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

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 and balance risk factors, considering family capacity, child safety and wellbeing
• 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 have a sound understanding of child development, risk and resilience
• You can manage workloads, priorities and timeframes effectively
• You build positive working relationships across teams and services
• You apply culturally responsive practice when working with diverse families
• You can assess needs and respond effectively to complex situations impacting children and families.

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 ($73,710 - $89,981) + 12% super / AHP2 $94,997 - $110,052) + 12% super
+4% child protection allowance
+regional financial incentive
+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:

• Paid relocation expenses, government employee housing, and other benefits may 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 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 Michelle Johnson – Supervisor for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: (08) 8595 2400 or email: michelle.johnson2@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: 29/06/2026 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.