Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 711311
Location: 5540 - PORT PIRIE, 5600 - WHYALLA, 5606 - PORT LINCOLN, 5700 - PORT AUGUSTA, 5690 - CEDUNA
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Highlights:

• Multiple full-time term vacancies available
• An additional Child Protection Allowance paid alongside your annual salary
• Make a meaningful impact while thriving in a dynamic and welcoming rural community.

Role Details:

We are seeking multiple Social Workers (AHP1), Senior Social Workers (AHP2), Senior Practitioners (AHP2), Case Managers (PO1) or Senior Case Managers (PO2) to join our dynamic teams across the Far North Far West region. These roles contribute to high quality casework, strengthen practice, and support positive outcomes for children, young people and families. Whether you are beginning your career or bringing advanced experience in complex casework and mentoring, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team focused on building capability and delivering inclusive, evidence-informed services.

These vacancies can be filled by either a qualified Social Worker (AHP1/AHP2) or Professional Officer (PO1/PO2) depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

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, Social Sciences, Human Services, Health or other related fields.

In these roles, you will:

• Deliver child-centred case management and intervention services that support safety and wellbeing
• Undertake investigations, assessments and safety planning for children, young people and families
• Prepare clear, evidence-informed reports and recommendations for care planning, reviews and court processes
• Work with parents, caregivers and extended networks to build skills and maintain safe, stable home environments
• Apply inclusive and culturally responsive practice in all interactions.

About You:

• You will bring strong communication and relationship-building skills
• You will have the ability to engage effectively with children, young people, families and partner agencies
• You have a strong understanding of social work frameworks, child development and family systems
• You can demonstrate a commitment to a culturally responsive and inclusive practice, along with the capacity to manage competing priorities
• You have the ability to identify and respond to needs and risks to safety, wellbeing and development of children and young people.

If this aligns with your values and experience, apply now.

Salary and Benefits:

AHP1: ($73,710 - $89,981 per annum)
AHP2: ($94,997 - $110,052 per annum)

• Additional 4% Child Protection Allowance
• 12% employer superannuation contribution
• Professional Development Allowance, entitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses
• Qualification Allowance (may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role)
• Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support.

PO1: ($71,046 - $86,729 per annum)
PO2: ($91,565 - $106,074 per annum)

• Additional Child Protection Allowance
• 12% employer superannuation contribution.

Why You’ll Love It Here - 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.

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.

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.

Special Conditions:

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

Enquiries: Greg Dart - Practice Leader on 0437 132 029 or email: gregory.dart@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: 30/06/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Child Protection Case Manager - PO1.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Child Protection Case Manager - PO2.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Practitioner - AHP2.pdf
- Role Description - Senior Social Worker - AHP2.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.