Are you looking to begin a meaningful career where you can make a real difference? The Department for Child Protection (DCP) is seeking Entry-level Social Workers to join our team. You’ll be supported by experienced colleagues while developing the skills to safeguard children and empower families. These roles provide hands-on learning, guidance, and the chance to build your confidence in child protection practice. If you’re passionate about helping children thrive and want to grow your career in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply.

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 and benefits

• AHP1: $74,230 (4 year degree) – $86,938 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive allowance: an extra 4% for social workers in child protection – permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement.
• Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP1 level)
• 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:

• Support investigations and assessments that put children’s safety first.
• Work with families to build parenting skills and create safer environments.
• Assist children in out-of-home care to achieve positive outcomes.
• Keep accurate, clear case records and provide helpful reports.

To be successful:

You are passionate about supporting children, young people, and families, and you bring a strong sense of empathy and resilience. You are eager to learn and committed to building your knowledge of child development, safety, and wellbeing.

You bring the ability to listen, communicate, and form meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. You are organised and willing to learn how to manage competing priorities while developing your professional practice. Most importantly, you want to grow into a skilled social worker and create positive change for children and families.

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).

About the Pool We are establishing a pool of suitable candidates who have successfully completed a selection process for this role. Should you be successful, you will be advised (in writing) that you have been recommended onto this pool. During the time the pool is active you may be contacted and offered employment. You are not required to accept any or all offers made to you, and DCP does not guarantee an offer of employment.

DCP reserves the right to advertise similar positions outside of this pool process.

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.