The Practice Leader role with the Department for Child Protection in Kadina offers a unique opportunity to shape how practice is delivered on the ground. You will influence meaningful change by supporting staff to apply evidence based social work practice, strengthen decision making and deliver better outcomes for families. As a trusted leader and mentor, you will work alongside senior colleagues to build a strong learning culture and drive consistent, high-quality practice in a dynamic regional setting.

Location

Kadina is a welcoming regional town on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, offering a relaxed and connected lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Just a short drive from Adelaide, Kadina provides easy access to stunning coastlines, fishing spots, and scenic rural landscapes. The town features essential services, local schools, sporting facilities, cafes, and shopping, making day to day life convenient and family friendly. With affordable living and a close-knit community, Kadina is an ideal location for professionals seeking balance, space, and meaningful regional impact. Working with DCP in Kadina.

Make Your Qualification Go Further

Same degree, more reward. At DCP, allied health professionals working in child protection receive an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in our Enterprise Agreement making these among the most competitively paid roles in the SA Government. 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

Income & Benefits

• AHP4: $118,887 to $129,427 per annum plus 12% superannuation
• 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: A $1,000 annual professional development allowance, plus reimbursement of approved professional development expenses up to $1,500
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Support: free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
• Recognition: annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.
• Relocation Assistance and Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support for regional and remote roles only
• Regional Assistance: Kadina offers a 5 year Regional Incentive starting at $3,530 per annum, with annual increases recognising your dedication to supporting the local community

In this role, you will

• Lead high level practice advice and guidance on legislation, policy and the DCP Practice Approach.
• Drive critical enquiry processes to understand issues and develop evidence informed solutions.
• Review and shape operational policies to support consistent and high quality practice.
• Build multi system strategies that support children and young people engaged in offending.

To be successful

You will bring extensive clinical experience working with children, young people and families who have complex needs, including those involved in the child protection and youth justice systems. Your leadership strengths will be evident through your ability to guide staff, influence direction and develop practical solutions that reflect evidence and innovation.

You will thrive in a fast paced and sensitive environment where sound judgement, collaboration and clear communication are essential. Your capacity to negotiate, manage challenging issues and build strong relationships across multiple jurisdictions will be key to achieving positive outcomes. A commitment to culturally responsive practice and inclusive service delivery is central to this role.

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.