Join the Department for Child Protection as a Supervisor at the Elizabeth Office and step into a role where leadership makes a real difference. You will guide and inspire a professional team delivering vital services that protect children and strengthen families. With a strong focus on culturally inclusive practice, quality decision making and continuous improvement, you will shape how services are delivered on the ground. This role offers the chance to lead with purpose, build capability, and contribute to better outcomes for some of South Australia’s most vulnerable communities.

Make Your Qualification Go Further

Same degree, more reward. At DCP, social workers receive the highest pay in the SA Government, supported by an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in the Enterprise Agreement. Combined with strong professional development support, clear pathways for advancement and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in child protection, your qualification goes further here than anywhere else.

Why Work with DCP

At the Department for Child Protection, you will build a career where your skills are valued, your impact is meaningful and your work helps keep children, young people and families safe, strong and connected across South Australia.

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

Essential Qualification

• AHP (Allied Health Professional) positions are designed for applicants who hold a Social Work qualification and are eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• PO (Professional Officer) positions are open to applicants with qualifications in Community Services, Human Services, Social Sciences, Health, or other related fields.

AHP Position

Income & Benefits

• AHP3: $108,347 to $116,216 per annum plus 12% superannuation
• 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: A $1,000 annual professional development allowance, plus reimbursement of approved professional development expenses up to $1,500
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Support: free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
• Recognition: annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

PO Position

Income

• Salary: PO3 – $101,285 – $107,078 p.a. + 12% super

In this role, you will

• Drive professional practice standards across a designated work team
• Mentor staff to strengthen capability and confidence in decision making
• Oversee service delivery to ensure safety and wellbeing outcomes
• Identify and address risks, issues and team challenges proactively
• Contribute to planning and continuous improvement initiatives

To be successful

You will bring strong professional experience in leading and supervising staff within a complex service environment. You can guide teams to deliver quality outcomes, support staff development, and promote culturally competent practice that responds to the needs of children, families and communities.

You will have sound knowledge of social work practice, relevant legislation and evidence informed frameworks, with the ability to apply this knowledge to service development and decision making. You are confident managing resources, priorities and risk while contributing to broader planning and leadership activities.

You will be a respectful and collaborative leader who communicates clearly, manages conflict constructively, and builds trust with staff and partners. You value inclusion, safety and continuous learning, and lead in a way that supports wellbeing and positive workplace culture.

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

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.