Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 860236
Location: 5042 - ST MARYS
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time temporary vacancy available until 2 April 2027
Remuneration: AHP1 ($73,710 - $89,981) / PO1 ($73,533 - $89,764) + 12% super

We are seeking a Social Worker (Allied Health Professional) or Case Manager (Professional Officer) to join the team in our St Marys office.

Working directly with children and families, you will help them navigate challenges, identify strengths and achieve positive outcomes. Your compassion and commitment will help create lasting change and contribute to stronger families and communities.

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills, build professional relationships and be part of a supportive team where your work is valued and your contribution matters.

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. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply, with structured training, supervision and development available to support growth in child protection practice.

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:

• Use a solutions-based approach to case management
• Conduct investigations in a child-centred manner, with a focus on safety and support
• Assess and balance risk factors, considering family capacity, child safety and wellbeing
• Support children in care and assist families toward reunification where appropriate
• Prepare analysis-based reports and provide evidence in court proceedings where required.

About you:

• You have a sound understanding of child development, risk and resilience
• You confidently manage competing priorities, organising your workload to meet deadlines
• You build positive working relationships across teams and services
• You apply culturally responsive practice when working with children and families from diverse backgrounds
• You assess needs and respond effectively to complex situations and identified risks.

Salary:
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.

PO1: $73,533 – $89,764 p.a. + 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:

• 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 Micaela McKinnon – Supervisor for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: (08) 8374 6111 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: 12/10/2026 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.