Are you an experienced leader ready to shape the future of child protection services? The Department for Child Protection is seeking a Supervisor to provide strategic leadership and guidance to a dedicated team. In this senior role, you will mentor staff, influence practice, and drive inclusive, evidence-based services that achieve positive outcomes for children, young people and families. If you are motivated by meaningful leadership, collaboration and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact, this role offers both challenge and reward.

Living in the Murraylands means enjoying the best of both worlds, the tranquility of country living and the convenience of being just a short drive from Adelaide. Set along the picturesque Murray River, the region offers a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by rolling farmland, wetlands, and thriving local communities. From boating and fishing to visiting local markets, cafes, and wineries, life here is about connection, nature, and balance.

Working in the Murraylands offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while being part of a close-knit and supportive team. Our office values collaboration and community partnership, working together to deliver positive outcomes for children and families across the region. If you’re looking to grow your career while enjoying an affordable, family friendly lifestyle, the Murraylands is the perfect place to call home. Click here for more info.

Make Your Qualification Go Further

Same degree, more reward. At DCP, practice leaders receive the highest pay in the SA Government, thanks to an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in our Enterprise Agreement. Combine that with up to $2,500 annual professional development support, clear pathways for advancement, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy in child protection, and your qualification goes further here than anywhere else.

Why Work with DCP?

At the Department for Child Protection, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll discover a career where your skills are valued, your impact is meaningful, and your rewards are unmatched.

We play a key role in protecting children, young people, and their families in South Australia, providing support to help vulnerable individuals be safe, strong, and connected.

What We Offer

• Employee Wellbeing: Free annual flu vaccination, Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling for you and your family), and other wellbeing initiatives.
• Career Development: Permanent roles, annual increments, up to $2,500 in professional development support, and clear career pathways.
• Parental & Partner Leave: Paid leave options to support you and your family.
• Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.
• Learning & Development: Strong commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning opportunities.

Income & Benefits

• Salary: AHP3: $104,180 – $116,216 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA
• Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,500 (AHP3 level)
• Relocation assistance & incentives – Eligibility government housing, or rental support (regional/remote only).
• Regional assistance – Murray Bridge offers a 5-year Regional Incentive starting at $882, with annual increases recognising your dedication to supporting the local community.
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Support – free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
• Recognition – annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

In this role, you will

• Lead, mentor and inspire staff to deliver high-quality social work services
• Provide strategic guidance to shape service delivery and policy outcomes
• Build strong partnerships with agencies and communities to strengthen responses
• Champion inclusive, evidence-based and culturally competent practice

To be successful

You are a strong leader who can set direction, inspire others and build a culture of excellence. You bring proven experience in supervising teams, mentoring staff and shaping effective practice.

You communicate with influence, collaborate with stakeholders, and bring a strategic mindset to managing resources and services. You are committed to inclusive leadership and culturally responsive practice, ensuring services are accessible and effective for all clients. If you are ready to use your expertise to shape strategy and guide others, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Qualifications:

AHP: A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

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).

To find out more about this role, including the key selection criteria and special conditions, please click on the attached role descriptions.

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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.