Are you looking to begin a meaningful career where you can make a real difference? The Department for Child Protection (DCP) is offering an entry-level Social Worker a role within our team. You’ll be supported by experienced colleagues while developing the skills to safeguard children and empower families. These roles provide hands-on learning, guidance, and the chance to build your confidence in child protection practice. If you’re passionate about helping children thrive and want to grow your career in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply.
Living in Mount Gambier offers a unique lifestyle shaped by natural beauty, strong community connections, and a relaxed regional pace. Located in the heart of the Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier is known for its iconic Blue Lake, lush parks, volcanic landscapes, and access to stunning coastlines. With excellent local schools, sporting clubs, cafes, and a vibrant arts and food scene, it is a welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.
Working in Mount Gambier provides the opportunity to make a genuine difference while being part of a supportive and collaborative regional team. Our office values strong partnerships with the local community and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families across the Limestone Coast. If you are seeking career growth alongside an affordable, family friendly lifestyle with easy access to nature and community, Mount Gambier is an exceptional place to call home and build your career in regional South Australia. Working with us in Regional SA
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.
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 and benefits
- AHP1: $74,230 (4 year degree) – $86,938 p.a. + 12% super
- Exclusive allowance: an extra 4% for social workers in child protection – permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement.
- Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP1 level)
- Relocation assistance & incentives – Eligibility government housing, or rental support (regional/remote only) applicants to meet eligibility criteria.
- Regional assistance – Mount Gambier offers a 5-year Regional Incentive starting at $882, with annual increases recognising your dedication to supporting the local community.
- 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:
- Support investigations and assessments that put children’s safety first.
- Work with families to build parenting skills and create safer environments.
- Assist children in out-of-home care to achieve positive outcomes.
- Keep accurate, clear case records and provide helpful reports.
To be successful:
You are passionate about supporting children, young people, and families, and you bring a strong sense of empathy and resilience. You are eager to learn and committed to building your knowledge of child development, safety, and wellbeing.
You bring the ability to listen, communicate, and form meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. You are organised and willing to learn how to manage competing priorities while developing your professional practice. Most importantly, you want to grow into a skilled social worker and create positive change for children and families.
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.