Are you passionate about giving South Australia’s most vulnerable infants the best start in life? Join the Department for Child Protection as a High Risk Infant Worker, where your specialist knowledge and leadership will guide complex casework and shape meaningful change. Based in a supportive, multidisciplinary team, you’ll play a vital role in assessing, supporting and advocating for high risk and unborn infants. This is your chance to lead with purpose, influence best practice and make a lasting difference in the lives of families and children.

Living in the Murraylands means enjoying the best of both worlds, the tranquility of country living and the convenience of being just a short drive from Adelaide. Set along the picturesque Murray River, the region offers a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by rolling farmland, wetlands, and thriving local communities. From boating and fishing to visiting local markets, cafes, and wineries, life here is about connection, nature, and balance.

Working in the Murraylands offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while being part of a close-knit and supportive team. Our office values collaboration and community partnership, working together to deliver positive outcomes for children and families across the region. If you’re looking to grow your career while enjoying an affordable, family friendly lifestyle, the Murraylands is the perfect place to call home. Click here for more info.

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
• Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP2 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:

• Lead complex assessments and provide specialist case management for high risk and unborn infants.
• Offer expert advice, consultation and mentoring to DCP staff and external professionals.
• Coordinate multi-agency responses and ensure effective service delivery across partners.
• Engage families and carers to strengthen relationships and support safe, stable environments.

To be successful:

You are a confident and compassionate professional with deep understanding of infant development, family dynamics and child protection practice. You bring strong leadership and consultation skills, guiding others through complex casework with empathy and expertise.

You thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings and are comfortable taking the lead on high-impact cases. With sound judgment, cultural awareness and a commitment to continuous learning, you contribute to a safe, inclusive and innovative workplace.

If you’re ready to share your expertise and help shape better outcomes for children and families, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Qualifications

AHP: 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.