Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 852517
Location: 5251 - MOUNT BARKER
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time temporary vacancy available until 29 January 2027
Remuneration: AHP4 ($123,048 - $133,957) plus 12% superannuation

Role Details:

This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984.

As a Principal Aboriginal Consultant, you will apply strong cultural leadership to Office staff that upholds strategic interventions for Aboriginal children, young people and their families. Situated in Mount Barker, the role will require travel across the Peramangk/Mount Lofty Ranges, Ngarrindjeri (includes lower Murray River and eastern Fleurieu Peninsula), Kaurna (Adelaide Plains) and Ramindjeri (includes Victor Harbour and southern Fleurieu Peninsula) country. You will drive cultural awareness, pinpoint practice issues and create improvement strategies that promotes life-altering change for Aboriginal children and young people. Step into a rewarding mentorship role that strengthens the cultural operations of the department.

In this role, you will:

• Liaise with the Practice Leader to provide local leadership that adheres to DCP’s Practice Approach
• Provide coaching and training sessions that boosts the cultural competencies of Office staff and monitor individual performance
• Oversee wellbeing meetings within the office and region to identify cultural practice issues
• Manage strategic projects and procedures that elevate cultural understandings within the department
• Implement innovative cultural practices that combat stereotypes and barriers for Aboriginal children, young people and families.

About you:

• You possess extensive experience in driving culturally suitable social work practice to Aboriginal children and young people
• You have exceptional leadership qualities that inspire staff to attain excellence
• You demonstrate core coaching and mentorship skills when delivering workplace education
• You promote cultural awareness that encompasses expert knowledge of child protection issues and themes
• You embody high-level interpersonal and written communication skills when engaging with stakeholders and delivering legally defensible writing.

Essential Qualifications:

• An appropriate degree or equivalent qualification in either Social Work, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology or Developmental Education which entitles registration or membership with the relevant board or association.

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).

Why You’ll Love It Here - DCP Benefits 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:

For the purpose of this advertisement and links provided, the term Aboriginal is used to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within South Australia. This is not intended to exclude Torres Strait Islander people, or people that identify as being of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

• You must have a current Working With Children Check
• A current Australian driver’s licence and a willingness to drive is essential
• Some intra/interstate travel (including in a small aircraft) including overnight stay may be required.

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 Angela Giles – Manager for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: (08) 7424 7888 or email: angela.giles@sa.gov.au

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: 30/07/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Principal Aboriginal Consultant - AHP4.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.