Please disregard the 'Open to Everyone', this position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984

We are offering multiple opportunities for Taikurtirna Warri-apinthi Practitioners based in Adelaide within our Aboriginal Practice directorate. These roles are central to keeping Aboriginal children and young people strong in identity, family and culture. You will work closely with families, communities and DCP staff to build lifelong networks of belonging and support. Guided by family led approaches, you will help ensure safety, connection and cultural identity remain at the heart of decision making. This is meaningful work where you will support children to stay connected to who they are.

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’s also about feeling supported, valued, and able to thrive. At DCP, you’ll enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment – work alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact.
• Flexible work options – tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life.
• Recognition & growth – we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP.
• Generous leave – including leave loading to help you rest and recharge.
• Paid parental and partner leave – additional paid time to support you and your growing family when it matters most.
• Health & fitness perks – discounted Fitness Passport memberships and free flu vaccinations.
• Wellbeing support – confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

Income & Benefits

• Salary: (AHP1: $71,217 – $86,938 p.a.) / (AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 p.a.) + 12% super for both AHP1 and AHP2
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA
• Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000
• 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

• Build family networks that keep children connected to culture, identity and kin
• Work with families and communities to identify supports and safe placements
• Support the use of Family Led Decision Making across practice and planning
• Visit families to map connections and gather culturally relevant information

To be successful

This role suits someone who is passionate about supporting Aboriginal families, culture and community connection. You will bring an understanding of child development, cultural identity and the factors that influence safety and wellbeing for Aboriginal children and young people. You will be confident engaging with kinship systems, identifying family links and supporting cultural connection.

You will be supported to learn, develop and build capability, while working in partnership with others who share a strong commitment to Aboriginal child safety and belonging. You will work with DCP staff, families and community to strengthen outcomes and create culturally led solutions that keep young people close to family, country and identity.

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Qualifications: 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 be appointed directly to the AHP2 level, successful candidates must demonstrate increased professional expertise, competence and experience to perform any standard professional task within the discipline.  Candidates have also attained greater specialised knowledge within the discipline which enables them to provide professional services to client groups in circumstances requiring increasingly complex practice skills.

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.