As a Senior Practitioner in the Far North Far West Regional Directorate, based in Coober Pedy & APY Lands, this FIFO role operates on an 8 days on, 6 days off roster and places you at the heart of practice excellence in child protection. This role offers the opportunity to influence complex casework, mentor practitioners, and help shape high quality, culturally responsive services. You will work alongside dedicated professionals, sharing expertise and supporting confident decision making in challenging environments. Your leadership in practice will directly contribute to safer outcomes for children and young people across diverse and remote communities.

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

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

• Salary: AHP2 $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Additional 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement – making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA.
• Professional Development:
  • $1,000 PD allowance, increasing incrementally each year
  • Reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,500 (AHP2 level)
• Support: Access to free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
• Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

Additional Allowances

• Qualifications Allowance: Available for eligible higher qualifications relevant to the role.

PO Position

Income

• Salary: PO2 – $88,255 – $97,667 p.a. + 12% super

In this role, you will:

• Strengthen professional practice across social work and case management
• Consult with internal and external stakeholders on complex matters
• Chair selected case conferences and assessment panels
• Guide staff in reflective practice and critical thinking

To be successful:

You will be an experienced practitioner with a strong background in child protection or related practice. You will bring the ability to guide others through complex casework, support sound decision making, and promote consistent application of practice frameworks. Your experience will include reviewing cases, preparing professional reports, and contributing to improvements in service delivery.

You will demonstrate strong technical knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and case management methodologies. You will be confident providing expert advice, facilitating case discussions, and supporting staff to apply evidence based and culturally inclusive approaches in their work.

You will be collaborative, reflective and committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. You will communicate clearly, build trust with diverse stakeholders, and model professional integrity.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: As the system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, it is recommended that you click 'SAVE AND NEXT' to ensure that your application is retained. This ensures that you will be able to resume your application by clicking 'CONTINUE'.

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.

The Region:

The Far North office covers a large area, encompassing Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta and the APY lands. It is a diverse office consisting of two Child Protection Teams who work on a FIFO roster of 8 days on, 6 days off. The Far North office has a strong, workplace culture of supporting one another, and maintains good partnerships with other Government and non-Government agencies in town. This collaborative way of working helps the team build strong connections with the community, including the local Aboriginal Communities it serves.

Benefits of working with DCP in the Region:

• Engage in meaningful collaboration with local government, non-government agencies and community partners to support positive outcomes.
• Contribute to improving the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families.
• Be part of a connected, community focused team with diverse professional strengths.
• Gain exposure to varied work environments across regional, rural and remote settings.
• Access development pathways, training and professional networks that build capability and support leadership growth.

For further information about the FIFO Agreement, please direct all enquiries to the contact below.