This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984.
Our Whyalla office is seeking an Aboriginal Family Practitioner to join the team and work alongside Aboriginal children, families and communities to promote child safety and culturally responsive practice. You will manage cases, co-work on child protection assessments and connect families with culturally appropriate support.
This role provides the opportunity to contribute to better outcomes for Aboriginal children and families by bringing cultural knowledge into child protection work. You can help ensure services are respectful, relevant and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal families.
With on-the-job training and support from colleagues, you’ll develop your skills and confidence in the role, while being encouraged to learn and grow in your practice. To find out more about working in the region, visit working with us in regional South Australia.
In this role, you will:
- Respond to child protection notifications, assess risk and review decisions as new information emerges
- Work with families to identify concerns, strengths and pathways to support
- Connect families with community services that address their needs
- Develop trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities and key stakeholders
- Share culturally informed advice and contribute to responsive service delivery.
About you:
- You establish and maintain strong community networks and partnerships
- You understand culturally sensitive child protection practice within a statutory environment
- You manage competing priorities and organise your work effectively
- You use sound judgement to solve problems and develop practical solutions
- You bring knowledge of child development, counselling and crisis intervention.
We welcome applications from people who want to put culture, family and community at the centre of their work.
Desirable Qualification:
- 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).
Salary and benefits:
AHP1: $73,710 - $89,981 + 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.
What’s in it for you – Perks That Matter:
At DCP, these are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:
- 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.