Join the Department for Child Protection as a Senior Practitioner based at Blair Athol. This role offers the chance to influence high quality practice and contribute to meaningful outcomes for children, young people and families. As a senior member of the practice group, you will strengthen case management capability, support consistent decision making and guide practitioners as they develop their skills and professional confidence.
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.
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
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).
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.
- 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.
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.