Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 851989
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time temporary vacancy available until 7 May 2027
Remuneration: AHP4 ($123,048 - $133,957) plus 12% superannuation

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.

Join our Adelaide office as an Aboriginal Clinical Lead, bringing your cultural knowledge, experience and commitment to influencing practice and service delivery. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will apply your expertise and practice leadership to embed Aboriginal perspectives across Residential Care. Through specialist advice, consultation and partnership development, you will support service improvement, build workforce capability and help shape systems that better respond to the needs of Aboriginal families and communities.

In this role, you will:

• Provide advice on Aboriginal practice, complex cases and emerging issues impacting service delivery
• Lead cultural and practice oversight to enhance cultural capability across Residential Care
• Build workforce capability through consultation, supervision, training and the development of practice resources
• Strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal communities, government and non-government organisations
• Contribute to strategic initiatives and policies that embed Aboriginal perspectives and strengthen Reconciliation commitments.

About you:

• You bring experience working alongside Aboriginal communities and building strong, respectful partnerships
• You have a deep understanding of the impacts of colonisation and intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal communities
• You have experience in child protection, social work or related practice supporting children, young people and families
• You use your knowledge and influence to strengthen culturally informed practice and improve outcomes
• You are skilled at building relationships, sharing expertise and supporting positive change across services.

Essential Qualification:

• A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

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).

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 hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence and a willingness to drive is essential.

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.

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 Travis Thomas - Lead Practitioner for a confidential discussion 

Via tel: 0477 117 680 or email: travis.thomas@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: 27/07/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - Aboriginal Clinical Lead Residential Care - 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.