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.

Join the Department for Child Protection as the Supervisor, Taikurtirna Warri-apinthi based in Adelaide. This meaningful role offers the chance to lead a committed team that supports family connection for Aboriginal children and young people. You will work within Aboriginal Policy Services Directorate. Your focus will be guiding culturally informed practice, building strong relationships with community and ensuring timely, high quality services across DCP. Your leadership will help children stay connected to family, culture and identity. You will also support staff to deliver consistent and culturally respectful work.

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)
• 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 and coordinate Taikurtirna Warri-apinthi services across DCP and partner with ASPI and Guardianship teams to support quality outcomes.
• Review service delivery and implement proactive strategies that strengthen timely and culturally informed family finding responses.
• You will bring demonstrated experience in leading teams, guiding practice, and supporting staff to deliver quality and culturally informed services. Your ability to mentor others, identify training needs and strengthen capability will enable your team to provide consistent and timely outcomes.
• Build effective relationships with community, DCP offices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, external partners to develop and support strong cultural relationships and networks.

To be successful

You will bring demonstrated experience in leading teams, guiding practice and supporting staff to deliver quality and culturally respectful services. Your ability to mentor others, identify training needs and strengthen capability will enable your team to provide consistent and timely outcomes.

You will be confident in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders including Aboriginal families, community, government and non government agencies. Your understanding of cultural diversity, kinship systems and the factors impacting Aboriginal children and young people will support your ability to lead culturally competent practice across DCP.

Your strong organisational skills, ability to prioritise work and commitment to safe, inclusive environments will help maintain high standards of service delivery.

If this sounds like you, 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.