• Conducting specialist assessments of high risk infant child protection cases and the preliminary and initial assessment of unborn child concerns. 
• Advocating for service delivery improvements for high risk infant cases and expectant parents under guardianship of the Chief Executive.
• Providing specialist opinions or recommendations to support Youth Court processes and act as a witness in court proceedings. 
• Supporting social workers and case managers to engage with and build effective partnerships with families and carers. 
• Providing consultation, advice and training to DCP staff and professionals in relevant external organisations.

To be successful in this role, you will have: 

• Knowledge of infant physical, social and emotional development, children and young people development and the Child Protection Act.
• Experience in the provision of support and advice to less experienced case workers.
• Expertise in carrying out brief interventions including counselling, behavioural change practices and family interventions. 
• Knowledge of the social, cultural and environmental influences on family well-being, family development, and positive parenting.
• Awareness of Aboriginal cultural practices and/or differences and seek cultural consultation to promote an inclusive practice.

If you are looking for the opportunity to implement positive change and provide an essential service to high risk infants and their families, then we encourage you to apply. 

Essential Qualifications

AHP: A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

PO: Appropriate degree qualification in Community Services, Social Sciences, Human Services, Health or related field.

Nurses with relevant PO credentials are strongly encouraged 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.

There are many benefits to working with DCP, including:

• Leave loading and salary packaging opportunities. 
• Paid parental and partner leave. 
• Free annual flu vaccination for staff.
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling for you and your family). 
• Fitness Passport (gives you and your family access to a wide choice of gyms and pools across South Australia).