Join the Department for Child Protection as a Senior Practitioner supporting practice across the Far North region, including Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta and the APY Lands. This FIFO role, operating on an 8 days on, 6 days off roster, offers the chance to influence high quality practice and contribute to meaningful outcomes for children, young people and families in remote communities. As a senior member of the practice group, you will strengthen case management capability, promote consistent decision making and guide practitioners as they build their skills, cultural awareness and professional confidence.

Location

Working in the Far North region provides a unique opportunity to engage with remote communities across Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta and the APY Lands. Staff may be based in any of these locations while on shift and move between them to meet operational needs. The region offers rich cultural learning, strong community connection and the chance to make a meaningful impact in some of South Australia’s most distinctive and culturally significant environments. This is a place for purpose, growth and a truly memorable regional experience. Working with us in Regional SA.

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.

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.

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.
• Relocation assistance & incentives – Eligibility government housing, or rental support (regional/remote only).
• Regional assistance – Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta and APY Lands offers a 5-year Regional Incentive starting at $7,060, with annual increases recognising your dedication to supporting the local community.
• 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 – $88,255 – $97,667 p.a. + 12% super

In this role, you will:

• Provide mentoring and professional guidance to Social Workers and Case Managers.
• Lead quality assurance and promote consistent case management standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support effective practice.
• Deliver coaching and learning opportunities to strengthen workforce capability.
• Provide expert advice on complex cases and contribute to policy and service improvements.

To be successful:

You will bring a strong understanding of social work and case management principles, with the ability to apply theory to practice in complex and sensitive situations. Your experience in mentoring staff, providing professional guidance, and evaluating casework outcomes will support the continuous improvement of services within your team. You will be confident in collaborating across multidisciplinary settings and skilled at fostering professional growth in others through coaching and constructive feedback.

If this sounds like you, 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).

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.

The Region:

The Far North office covers a large area, encompassing Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta and the APY lands. It is a diverse office consisting of two Child Protection Teams who work on a FIFO roster of 8 days on, 6 days off. The Far North office has a strong, workplace culture of supporting one another, and maintains good partnerships with other Government and non-Government agencies in town. This collaborative way of working helps the team build strong connections with the community, including the local Aboriginal Communities it serves.

Benefits of working with DCP in the Region:

• Engage in meaningful collaboration with local government, non-government agencies and community partners to support positive outcomes.
• Contribute to improving the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families.
• Be part of a connected, community focused team with diverse professional strengths.
• Gain exposure to varied work environments across regional, rural and remote settings.
• Access development pathways, training and professional networks that build capability and support leadership growth.