Are you ready to take the next step in your career and lead practice that changes lives? The Department for Child Protection is offering opportunities as a Senior Social Worker or Senior Practitioner. These roles are designed for experienced professionals who want to mentor colleagues, guide complex casework, and influence service quality. Whether your strengths lie in casework leadership or practice development, you will be part of a team dedicated to protecting children and supporting families. This is your chance to use your expertise where it matters most.
Location:
In the Far North and Far West of South Australia, you’ll find vibrant regional centres such as Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla. Whether it’s living by the sea, exploring the outback, or enjoying the warmth of regional communities, these locations offer a balance of professional opportunity and personal lifestyle. Further details on each location can be found here.
The Far North and Far West offices cover a wide area and include multiple Child Protection teams working on a FIFO roster. The region has a strong workplace culture built on supporting one another and maintains close partnerships with both Government and non-Government agencies. This collaborative approach helps the teams build meaningful connections with the community, including the local Aboriginal communities they serve.
Benefits of working with DCP in the Region:
- An opportunity to collaborate with local government, non-government and community to achieve collective outcomes
- An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people
- A strong community culture and multidisciplinary team
- The opportunity to work across a wide variety of work settings in regional, rural and remote areas
- Access to professional development and support networks that will foster skills and develop leadership
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: AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 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
- Leave Loading: Applicable in line with Enterprise Agreement
- Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP2 level)
- Additional Qualifications Allowance
- Relocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)
- 8-day fortnight FIFO roster (FIFO roster rotation to be agreed with the Site Manager.)
- 12% Attraction/Retention Allowance
- 20% FIFO Allowance (3 years)
- Rostered weekends included (with FIFO allowance covering penalties)
In this role, you will
- Mentor and support Social Workers to build skills and confidence.
- Lead complex casework and provide expert advice on decisions.
- Chair case conferences, reviews and prepare high-quality reports.
- Guide practice development and influence service improvements.
To be successful
You are an experienced professional who thrives on leading, mentoring and influencing others. You bring strong expertise in child protection frameworks, legislation and practice, and you are confident handling complex situations.
You are skilled at building relationships across teams, agencies and communities, and you are committed to delivering culturally inclusive and safe practice. Whether guiding colleagues through casework or shaping broader practice development, your leadership makes a lasting difference. If you are ready to share your knowledge and inspire others, we encourage you to apply.