Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 853047
Location: 5540 - PORT PIRIE, 5600 - WHYALLA, 5606 - PORT LINCOLN, 5700 - PORT AUGUSTA, 5690 - CEDUNA
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Multiple full-time temporary vacancies available until 30 June 2027
Remuneration: AHP1 ($73,710 - $89,981) / PO1 ($73,533 - $89,764) + 12% super

We have multiple opportunities available for Social Workers or Case Managers (Professional Officers) to join our Far North Far West (FNFW) team. The FNFW team services the Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla regions, delivering child protection services across diverse regional, rural and remote communities. Applicants will be asked to nominate their location preferences as part of the selection process.

Working directly with children and families, you will help navigate challenges, build on strengths and support family capacity. Your compassion and commitment will support lasting change and make a meaningful difference where it's needed most.

These vacancies can be filled by either a qualified Social Worker (AHP1) or Professional Officer (PO1), depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

Essential Qualification:

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

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).

In this role, you will:

• Deliver culturally responsive, solutions-focused case management that supports positive outcomes
• Conduct child-centred assessments and investigations, with a focus on safety, wellbeing and family strengths
• Work alongside children, families, kin and community to assess risk, strengthen parenting capacity and promote child safety
• Support children in care to maintain family and community connections while working towards safe reunification where appropriate
• Prepare evidence-based reports, maintain accurate case records and provide evidence in court proceedings when required.

About You:

• You value building trusted relationships with children, families, communities and local service partners
• You apply culturally responsive practice and build respectful relationships with diverse communities
• You understand child development, risk and family strengths, and can respond confidently to complex situations
• You thrive in a collaborative environment, managing competing priorities while maintaining quality practice
• You communicate effectively, using sound judgement to support informed decision-making.

Salary:

AHP1: $73,710 - $89,981 + 12% super
+4% child protection allowance 
+Regional financial incentive 
+Professional Development Allowance
+Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role.

PO1: $73,533 - $89,764 + 12% super
+additional child protection allowance.

What’s in it for you – Perks That Matter: 
At DCP, these are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• Paid relocation expenses, government employee housing, and other benefits may also be available for some roles based in regional South Australia. To find out more about working in the region, visit working with us in regional South Australia
• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact
• Flexible working options with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
• Paid Parental and Partner Leave – additional paid time to support you and your growing family
• Recognition and Growth – we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP
• Salary Packaging – reduce your taxable income with a range of pre-tax benefits
• Health and Fitness Perks – free flu vaccination plus access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family
• Wellbeing Support - confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

See our full list of benefits.

About the Recruitment Pool:

We are establishing a pool of suitable candidates who have successfully completed a selection process for this role. Should you be successful, you will be advised (in writing) that you have been recommended onto this pool. During the time the pool is active you may be contacted and offered employment. You are not required to accept any or all offers made to you, and DCP does not guarantee an offer of employment.

PLEASE NOTE: DCP reserves the right to advertise similar positions outside of this pool process.

Find out more about our Recruitment Pool process.

About DCP

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:

• You must have a current Working With Children Check
• You must have a current Australian driver’s licence (P2 or above) and a willingness to drive.

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.

Want to know more?  

Contact Greg Dart - Practice Leader for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: 0437 132 029 or email: [email protected].

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.

To apply for this role, please click on the apply button to be redirected to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications close: 30/06/2027 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Child Protection Case Manager - PO1.pdf
- Role Description - Social Worker - AHP1.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.