The Department for Child Protection is seeking an experienced Practice Leader to join our Noarlunga Office and help shape the future of child protection practice. In this influential role, you will share your expert social work knowledge, mentor and coach practitioners, and champion reflective and culturally responsive practice. You will be part of a connected leadership network, contributing to practice excellence locally and across the organisation, while making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

Location

Noarlunga sits along Adelaide’s southern coastline and offers a relaxed lifestyle with everything close by. With beautiful beaches, coastal walking trails, and easy access to the McLaren Vale wine region, it’s a place where work life balance comes naturally. The area has modern shopping precincts, local cafes, strong community connections, and quality schools, making it an ideal base for families and professionals.

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 roles among the most competitively paid 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

• Salary: AHP4 $118,887 - $129,427 p.a. plus 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for allied health professionals in child protection, permanently secured in the Enterprise Agreement, ensuring among the most competitive salaries in SA Government.
• Leave Loading: Applicable in line with Enterprise Agreement
• Professional Development: $1,000 allowance (increasing each year) plus reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,500 (AHP4 level)
• Additional Qualifications Allowance

In this role, you will

• Drive practice excellence through leadership and mentoring
• Identify capability gaps and support targeted development
• Provide consultation on complex statutory and practice matters
• Promote reflective, ethical and evidence-based practice

To be successful

You will bring extensive experience in high quality, evidence based social work practice within a child protection environment. Your professional judgement, leadership capability and commitment to ethical practice will enable you to guide staff and influence practice standards that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

You will have a strong understanding of child protection legislation, systems and practice frameworks, with demonstrated experience in reflective supervision, mentoring and practice development. Your ability to provide expert consultation, lead practice initiatives and apply culturally responsive approaches will be central to your success.

You will thrive in a collaborative environment, building strong relationships and promoting a positive learning culture. Your communication skills, emotional intelligence and commitment to inclusive and culturally safe practice will support staff wellbeing and effective partnerships across the organisation.

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).

Note – Persons of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who do not have the essential qualification, are strongly encouraged to undertake study to gain a degree level qualification in Social Worker.

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.