Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 861181
Location: 5084 - BLAIR ATHOL
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time temporary vacancy available until 29 January 2027
Remuneration: AHP2 ($94,997 - $110,052) / AHP1 ($73,710 - $89,981) + 12% super

We are seeking a Senior Social Worker or Social Worker to join our Blair Athol team, undertaking important child protection work. This is an opportunity to put your social work expertise into practice across investigations, assessments and interventions, while working to promote safety and wellbeing. You’ll be part of a supportive professional environment where you can apply your skills and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

This is a single vacancy offered under a dual classification. The successful applicant will be appointed at the appropriate classification level based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

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).

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).

You will be responsible for:

• Using a solutions-based approach to case management
• Conducting investigations in a child-centred manner, with a focus on safety and support
• Assessing risk, protective factors and family capacity to support positive outcomes
• Supporting children in care and assisting families toward reunification where appropriate
• Responding to notifications of abuse and reassessing matters as new information emerges.

About you:
AHP2 / AHP1

• You have a sound understanding of child development, risk and resilience
• You can manage workloads, priorities and timeframes effectively
• You build positive working relationships across teams and services
• You apply culturally responsive child protection practice when working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

AHP2

• You use influence and negotiation to mediate conflict and achieve effective outcomes
• You have demonstrated ability in providing written and verbal reports based on the analysis of evidence
• You can develop staff capability and apply social work methods to support critical thinking and reflective practice.

Salary:
AHP2: $94,997 - $110,052 p.a. + 12% super
AHP1: $73,710 - $89,981 p.a. + 12% super
+4% child protection allowance
+Professional Development Allowance
+Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role.

AHP2 positions are also entitled to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses through the Professional Development Allowance.

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

• 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 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 Mel Rowe - Business Manager for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: (08) 8269 8301 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: 27/10/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Social Worker - Senior Social Worker - AHP1 - AHP2.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.