As a Senior Social Worker in the Out of Home Care directorate in Adelaide, you will be at the heart of life changing adoption work. This role places you alongside children, families and carers during pivotal moments, guiding complex assessments and supporting permanency decisions that shape futures. You will bring expertise, empathy and confidence to challenging situations, lead specialist aspects of the adoption program and work collaboratively to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, secure and supported.

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 & Benefits

• Salary: AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super
• 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 (AHP2 level)
• 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

• Assess, train and review prospective adoptive parents
• Support children and families through local and overseas adoption processes
• Partner with agencies to deliver coordinated adoption services
• Respond effectively to children who are unsafe

To be successful

You will be an experienced allied health professional with strong assessment and casework skills, able to gather and analyse complex information, evaluate risk and prepare clear, evidence based reports. You will confidently manage sensitive adoption matters, applying sound professional judgement to support safe and stable outcomes for children.

You will have a strong understanding of child development, the impacts of trauma and the lifelong implications of adoption. Your knowledge of relevant State, Commonwealth and international legislation will support effective practice across local and overseas adoption contexts, while your ability to develop appropriate interventions will lead to positive outcomes for children and families.

You will be an empathetic and collaborative practitioner who communicates effectively with children, families and professionals across diverse settings. You will value inclusive practice, seek cultural guidance when needed and contribute positively to a safe and respectful workplace. 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).

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.