The Department for Child Protection (DCP) is seeking multiple Specialist Transition Officers to join the Finding Families team on a full-time term basis. In this rewarding role, you’ll focus on transitions, placement reviews and matching across DCP to help young people move confidently from care into independence. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies, you’ll use your expertise to secure housing, coordinate wraparound supports, and improve outcomes for young South Australians. Join a team where every decision helps shape a brighter future.

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

In this role, you will

• Coordinate and deliver transition planning to support young people moving from care into stable housing.
• Contribute to placement reviews and assist with matching young people to appropriate care and services.
• Build and maintain partnerships with housing providers, agencies, and community organisations.
• Work closely with case managers, service providers, and young people to develop tailored transition plans.

To be successful

You are an experienced and passionate professional who thrives on collaboration and achieving results that truly matter. You bring a strong understanding of child development, trauma, and the needs of young people leaving care, paired with the ability to coordinate complex transitions and support networks.

With excellent communication, problem solving and stakeholder management skills, you build trust and lead conversations that create real change. You take pride in delivering culturally respectful and inclusive services, ensuring every young person is supported to reach their potential, and 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.