Your Opportunity
Senior Practitioner
Join the Department for Child Protection (DCP) as a Senior Practitioner and help strengthen social work practice across the sector. This role provides expert advice, mentoring, and training to improve service delivery and achieve better outcomes for children, families, and communities.
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.
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: $1,000 allowance (increasing each year) plus 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)
In this role, you will:
- Strengthen the professional and cultural capability of staff through mentoring, coaching, and workplace learning.
- Provide expert guidance on complex case management, including planning, reviews, and court-related matters.
- Ensure high-quality, culturally inclusive practice through monitoring, audits, and evidence-based approaches.
- Contribute to policy, research, and development initiatives that improve practice and outcomes.
- Support safe, compliant, and efficient workplace practices, including WHS and accountability systems.
To be successful:
You are an experienced social work professional with a proven track record in complex case management, mentoring, and guiding teams. You bring expert knowledge of legislation, policy, and culturally safe practice, confidently providing advice that influences positive outcomes. You excel in leadership, collaboration, and coaching, and thrive in supporting staff development while maintaining high standards of practice, accountability, and workplace safety. Your expertise enables you to drive improvements in service delivery for children, families, and communities. We encourage you to apply.