Are you an experienced leader ready to shape the future of child protection services? The Department for Child Protection is seeking a Supervisor to provide strategic leadership and guidance to a dedicated team. In this senior role, you will mentor staff, influence practice, and drive inclusive, evidence-based services that achieve positive outcomes for children, young people and families. If you are motivated by meaningful leadership, collaboration and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact, this role offers both challenge and reward.

Location:

In the Far North and Far West of South Australia, you’ll find vibrant regional centres such as Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla. Whether it’s living by the sea, exploring the outback, or enjoying the warmth of regional communities, these locations offer a balance of professional opportunity and personal lifestyle. Further details on each location can be found here.

The Far North and Far West offices cover a wide area and include multiple Child Protection teams working on a FIFO roster. The region has a strong workplace culture built on supporting one another and maintains close partnerships with both Government and non-Government agencies. This collaborative approach helps the teams build meaningful connections with the community, including the local Aboriginal communities they serve.

Benefits of working with DCP in the Region:

• An opportunity to collaborate with local government, non-government and community to achieve collective outcomes
• An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people
• A strong community culture and multidisciplinary team
• The opportunity to work across a wide variety of work settings in regional, rural and remote areas
• Access to professional development and support networks that will foster skills and develop leadership

Make Your Qualification Go Further

Same degree, more reward. At DCP, practice leaders 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: AHP3 $108,347 - $116,216 p.a. plus 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection practice leaders, 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 $1,500 (AHP3 level)
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Relocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)
• 5-day week FIFO roster (FIFO roster rotation to be agreed with the Site Manager.)
  • 12% Attraction/Retention Allowance (2 years)
  • On-call only for weekends/out-of-hours

In this role, you will

• Lead, mentor and inspire staff to deliver high-quality social work services
• Provide strategic guidance to shape service delivery and policy outcomes
• Build strong partnerships with agencies and communities to strengthen responses
• Champion inclusive, evidence-based and culturally competent practice

To be successful

You are a strong leader who can set direction, inspire others and build a culture of excellence. You bring proven experience in supervising teams, mentoring staff and shaping effective practice.

You communicate with influence, collaborate with stakeholders, and bring a strategic mindset to managing resources and services. You are committed to inclusive leadership and culturally responsive practice, ensuring services are accessible and effective for all clients. If you are ready to use your expertise to shape strategy and guide others, 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).

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.

Please note: 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 descriptions.

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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.