Step into a meaningful opportunity as a Kinship Care Practitioner within the Kinship Care program, with multiple vacancies available across our Blair Athol and Inner South (St Marys) offices. In this role, you will influence how kinship care services are delivered, supporting workers and carers to achieve better outcomes for children and young people. Through expert advice, mentoring and collaboration, you will help strengthen practice across the service. If you are passionate about empowering others, improving systems and shaping positive change for families and communities, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact.

Make Your Qualification Go Further
Same degree, more reward. At DCP, social workers 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.

Why you’ll love it here, DCP benefits that matter
We know a great career is about more than the work you do. It is also about feeling supported, valued, and able to thrive. At DCP, you will enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people committed to best practice and meaningful impact
• Flexible work options, tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
• Recognition and growth, celebrating achievements and supporting development opportunities across DCP
• Generous leave, including leave loading to help you rest and recharge
• Paid parental and partner leave, providing additional paid time to support you and your family
• Health and fitness perks, including discounted Fitness Passport memberships and free flu vaccinations
• Wellbeing support, confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family

Essential Qualification

• AHP (Allied Health Professional) positions are designed for applicants who hold a Social Work qualification and are eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• PO (Professional Officer) positions are open to applicants with qualifications in Community Services, Human Services, Social Sciences, Health, or other related fields.

AHP Position

Income & Benefits

• Salary: AHP2 $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Additional 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement – making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA.
• Professional Development:
  • $1,000 PD allowance, increasing incrementally each year
  • Reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,500 (AHP2 level)
• Support: Access to free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
• Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

Additional Allowances

• Qualifications Allowance: Available for eligible higher qualifications relevant to the role.

PO Position

Income

• Salary: PO2 – $91,565 – $106,074 p.a. + 12% super + Professional Officers working in the Department for Child Protection receive an additional 4% allowance.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver specialist advice on kinship care service provision
• Support workers to apply legislation and best practice approaches
• Facilitate strong relationships between kinship carers and DCP teams
• Contribute to service model improvements and operational planning.

To be successful:
You will be an experienced practitioner who understands the complexities of kinship care and the importance of supporting carers, children and families through strong practice. Your ability to build positive relationships across teams and provide practical advice will help strengthen kinship care services and support better outcomes for children and young people.

This role requires strong communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to analyse complex information. Confidence providing mentoring, guidance and constructive feedback to colleagues will be highly valued, along with experience working with legislation and practice frameworks relevant to child protection.

Professionalism, collaboration and cultural awareness are essential. A genuine commitment to culturally responsive practice, particularly when working with Aboriginal children and families, will support effective service delivery. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

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 description.

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Kinship Care is a type of family-based care provided to children and young people under the Guardianship or Custody of the Chief Executive, or another order of authority. Kinship carers may be relatives, extended family members, kin, or individuals who had an existing relationship with the child or young person.

In South Australia, kinship carers are supported by both the DCP Kinship Care Program and the Aboriginal Kinship Care Support Program, which is operated by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). These programs provide ongoing support, information, and training to identified kinship carers.

The DCP Kinship Care Program:

• Provides a state-wide program offering targeted support, information, and training to kinship carers based on their needs.
• Includes support to Aboriginal carers and carers of Aboriginal children and young people who wish to be supported by the DCP Kinship Care Program.
• Is delivered through eight teams aligned to North and South locations.