Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 842538
Location: 5251 - MOUNT BARKER
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time term until 27 November 2026

Remuneration: (AHP2 $91,785 - $106,330) or (PO2 $91,565 - $106,074)

Role Details:

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Social Worker or Senior Case Manager to join our team at our Mount Barker office. This is a single vacancy offered under a dual classification, meaning it may be filled by either a qualified Senior Social Worker (AHP2) or Senior Case Manager (PO2), depending on the qualifications and suitability of the successful applicant.

This role provides you with the opportunity to conduct investigations and assessments, delivering targeted interventions to ensure safety and positive outcomes for families, children, and young people. This will help promote inclusive practice and contribute to continuous service improvement.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering high-quality, effective and professional case management services that respond to the complex needs of children and young people.
• Supporting families to develop skills and communication strategies that strengthen relationships with their children.
• Developing and delivering excellent service to stakeholders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Identifying any risks to safety, well-being and development of children and young people, to ensure they are in a protective environment.
• Responding to notifications of children and young people abuse and outcomes of investigations.

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

• Proven ability to clarify situations, act impartially and use influential negotiations to effectively mediate conflict.
• Skilled in delivering culturally responsive child protection practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and CALD communities.
• Proven ability to produce clear, concise written and verbal reports based on sound evidence to confidently provide in court.
• Experience responding to complex risks to children’s safety and development using culturally appropriate approaches.
• Strong understanding of children and young people, including developmental stages, vulnerability, and resilience.

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, Sociology, Criminology, Justice, Correctional Practice, Social Sciences, Health, Human Services, Mental Health or other related fields.

Income & Benefits:

AHP Position

• Salary: AHP2 $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: An additional 4% allowance for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, positioning DCP as one of the highest-paying government employers in South Australia.

Professional Development:

• $1,000 professional development allowance, increasing annually.
• Reimbursement of professional development expenses up to $1,500 (AHP2 level).

Additional Allowances:

• A Qualification Allowance may be applicable if you hold an additional relevant qualification.

PO Position

• Salary: PO2 $91,565 – $106,074 p.a. + 12% super
• Child Protection Allowance: Professional Officers working in child protection receive a dedicated allowance paid fortnightly, with incremental increases aligned to the Enterprise Agreement. This allowance reflects the specialist nature of child protection work and recognises the professional expertise Professional Officers bring to supporting children and young people.

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, with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life.
• Recognition and growth, with opportunities to develop and progress 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, including confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

If you are committed to working collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people, we encourage you to apply.

About the Department for Child Protection:

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.

Special Conditions:

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).

For a successful application, you will need to respond to all points listed under the your capabilities section of the attached role description. Please also note any special conditions that may be listed.

Enquiries: Angela Giles - Senior Manager, Mount Barker call on: (08) 7424 7888 or email: angela.giles@sa.gov.au

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBTQI+ communities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button to be re-directed to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications close: 04/05/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Child Protection Case Manager - PO2.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Practitioner DCP Offices - AHP2 -PO2.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.