Join the Department for Child Protection as the Practice Leader for Practice Approach and Dual Involved children and young people, based in Noarlunga. This senior role provides expert leadership across DCP to strengthen practice for children involved in both the child protection and youth justice systems. You will guide complex decision making, support evidence informed approaches and influence system wide improvement. Working in the Adelaide metropolitan region means staying connected to strong local communities while contributing to meaningful statewide impact.

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 among the most competitively paid roles 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.

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: 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
• Relocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)

In this role, you will

• Lead high level practice advice and guidance on legislation, policy and the DCP Practice Approach.
• Drive critical enquiry processes to understand issues and develop evidence informed solutions.
• Review and shape operational policies to support consistent and high quality practice.
• Build multi system strategies that support children and young people engaged in offending.

To be successful

You will bring extensive clinical experience working with children, young people and families who have complex needs, including those involved in the child protection and youth justice systems. Your leadership strengths will be evident through your ability to guide staff, influence direction and develop practical solutions that reflect evidence and innovation.

You will thrive in a fast paced and sensitive environment where sound judgement, collaboration and clear communication are essential. Your capacity to negotiate, manage challenging issues and build strong relationships across multiple jurisdictions will be key to achieving positive outcomes. A commitment to culturally responsive practice and inclusive service delivery is central to this role.

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.