Social Worker / Senior Social Worker / Senior Practitioner - Pool Vacancy

Support children and families through assessment, planning and intervention to promote safety, stability and positive long term outcomes.

1. Extra 4% allowance for our Supervisors: highest-paying in SA Government
2. Regional Incentive: offering up to $7,060 increasing each year for 5 years
3. Multiple Full-Time Term Vacancies Available (Pool)

Role Status: Multiple Full-Time Term Vacancies Available (Pool)

Remuneration: AHP1: $71,217 - $86,938 p.a. / AHP2: $91,785 - $106,330 p.a.

Role Details:

The Department for Child Protection is seeking passionate and committed social work professionals to join our regional teams across the Far North Far West. Multiple opportunities are available for Social Workers, Senior Social Workers and Senior Practitioners, giving you the chance to 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.

Location:

In the Far North and Far West of South Australia, you'll find vibrant regional centres such as Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla. Whether it's living by the sea, exploring the outback, or enjoying the warmth of regional communities, these locations offer a balance of professional opportunity and personal lifestyle. Working with us in regional SA.

Benefits of working with DCP in the Region:

1. An opportunity to collaborate with local government, non-government and community to achieve collective outcomes
2. An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people
3. A strong community culture and multidisciplinary team
4. The opportunity to work across a wide variety of work settings in regional, rural and remote areas
5. Access to professional development and support networks that will foster skills and develop leadership

Make Your Qualification Go Further

Same degree, more reward. At DCP, social workers receive the highest pay in the SA Government, thanks to an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in our Enterprise Agreement. Combine that with up to $2,500 annual professional development support, clear pathways for advancement, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy in child protection, and your qualification goes further here than anywhere else.

Why Work with DCP?

At the Department for Child Protection, you'll find more than just a job. You'll discover a career where your skills are valued, your impact is meaningful, and your rewards are unmatched.

We play a key role in protecting children, young people, and their families in South Australia, providing support to help vulnerable individuals be safe, strong, and connected.

What We Offer

1. Employee Wellbeing: Free annual flu vaccination, Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling for you and your family), and other wellbeing initiatives.
2. Career Development: Permanent roles, annual increments, up to $2,500 in professional development support, and clear career pathways.
3. Parental & Partner Leave: Paid leave options to support you and your family.
4. Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.
5. Learning & Development: Strong commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning opportunities.

Income & Benefits

1. Salary: (AHP1: $71,217 - $86,938 p.a.) / (AHP2: $91,785 - $106,330 p.a.) + 12% super for both AHP1 and AHP2
2. Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA
3. Professional Development (PD) - a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000
4. Relocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)
5. Additional Qualifications Allowance
6. Support - free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
7. Recognition - annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

In this role, you will:

1. Deliver child-centred case management and intervention services that support safety and wellbeing.
2. Undertake investigations, assessments and safety planning for children, young people and families.
3. Prepare clear, evidence-informed reports and recommendations for care planning, reviews and court processes.
4. Work with parents, caregivers and extended networks to build skills and maintain safe, stable home environments.
5. Collaborate with internal teams, community partners and cultural representatives to strengthen outcomes.
6. Apply inclusive and culturally responsive practice in all interactions.

To be successful:

You will bring strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, young people, families and partner agencies. Your understanding of social work frameworks, child development and family systems will support you to contribute to high quality, evidence-informed practice that promotes safety, stability and positive outcomes.

You will demonstrate a commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive practice, along with the capacity to manage competing priorities while maintaining professional standards. Whether you are beginning your social work career or bringing advanced experience in complex casework, mentoring and practice development, you will be supported to apply your strengths, grow your capability and make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.

If this aligns with your values and experience, we encourage you to apply.

Special Conditions:

Essential Qualifications:

AHP: 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).

About the 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.

DCP reserves the right to advertise similar positions outside of this pool process.

To find out more about this role, including the key selection criteria and special conditions, please click on the 'apply' button.

Enquiries: Jacquelyn Caputo - Manager Regional Services on 0427 848 003 or email: [email protected]

The department values an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people from the LGBTQI+ community.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button to be re-directed to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications Close: 30 June 2026 11:00 PM