This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984

Are you ready to champion meaningful change and create lasting impact? As the Principal Aboriginal Consultant with the Department for Child Protection (DCP) in Gawler, you will bring your expertise and cultural leadership to the forefront, shaping practice excellence and guiding strategic direction across the region. This senior role is pivotal in strengthening Aboriginal voices in decision making, uplifting staff capability, and improving outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and their families. Step into a role where your leadership drives real change and cultural empowerment in a vibrant and growing regional community.

Location

Gawler is a lively historic town on the northern edge of Adelaide, bringing together the best of country charm and city convenience. As South Australia’s first country town, it’s filled with character, from heritage buildings and leafy streets to a warm, community-driven atmosphere. With quick access to the Barossa Valley, great local cafes and shops, parks, and highly regarded schools, Gawler offers an exciting and balanced lifestyle for families and professionals looking to make their mark. Working with us in Regional SA.

Make Your Qualification Go Further

Same degree, more reward. At DCP, allied health professionals working in child protection receive an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in our Enterprise Agreement making these among the most competitively paid roles in the SA Government. 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: AHP4 $118,887 - $129,427 p.a. plus 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for allied health professionals in child protection, permanently secured in the Enterprise Agreement, ensuring among the most competitive salaries in SA Government.
• Leave Loading: Applicable in line with Enterprise Agreement
• Professional Development: $1,000 allowance (increasing each year) plus reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,500 (AHP4 level)
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Relocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)

In this role, you will

• Provide cultural leadership and guidance to embed the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
• Mentor, coach and support staff to strengthen cultural capability and practice excellence.
• Lead strategies, projects and training that promote cultural safety and quality practice.
• Work closely with leaders to influence Aboriginal practice and critical case direction.

To be successful

You are an experienced leader with deep cultural and social work expertise who is ready to influence practice at a senior level. You bring proven skills in engaging and inspiring staff, guiding cultural decision making, and driving strategic initiatives that strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and their families.

You understand the complexities of child protection, and you model reflective practice and cultural leadership. With your ability to mentor, coach and guide, you create environments where learning and growth thrive. If you are committed to achieving meaningful change and strengthening Aboriginal voices in decision making, we encourage you to apply.

Essential: 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).

Note – Persons of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who do not have the essential qualification, are strongly encouraged to undertake study to gain a degree level qualification in Social Worker.

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

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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.