This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984

As a Principal Aboriginal Consultant with the Department for Child Protection in Blair Athol, you will be a powerful voice for culture, connection and change. This is a senior allied health role where your leadership and lived knowledge will shape how Aboriginal children and families are supported across child protection. You will inspire practice excellence, challenge barriers and lead culturally safe approaches that help children stay connected to family, culture and community. Every day, your work will make a real difference for children and young people across South Australia.

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.

In this role, you will

• Embed the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle in daily practice
• Support staff through cultural guidance and supervision
• Lead learning and development in Aboriginal practice
• Analyse practice trends to improve outcomes

To be successful

You will bring extensive experience in culturally informed social work with Aboriginal children, young people and families, including those involved in the child protection system. Your leadership strengths will be evident through your ability to guide practitioners, influence practice direction and develop practical solutions that reflect evidence, culture and best practice.

You will thrive in a complex and sensitive environment where sound judgement, cultural safety, collaboration and clear communication are essential. Your ability to navigate challenging issues, provide expert advice and build strong relationships with Aboriginal communities, colleagues and partner organisations will be key to achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes.

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.