Job Title

OverviewSENIOR SOCIAL WORKER / SENIOR PRACTITIONER - POOL VACANCYReference 1V83BB98SA Public Sector Employees OnlyDivision: Department for Child ProtectionLocation: Far North Far West - Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and WhyallaSalary Range: $91,785 - 106,330Classification: AHP2Engagement Type: TermClosing Date: 30 Jun 2026 11:00 PMRole HighlightsExtra 4% allowance for our Supervisors: highest-paying in SA GovernmentRegional Incentive: offering up to $7,060 increasing each year for 5 yearsRole DescriptionAre you ready to take the next step in your career and lead practice that changes lives? The Department for Child Protection is offering opportunities as a Senior Social Worker or Senior Practitioner. These roles are designed for experienced professionals who want to mentor colleagues, guide complex casework, and influence service quality. Whether your strengths lie in casework leadership or practice development, you will be part of a team dedicated to protecting children and supporting families. This is your chance to use your expertise where it matters most.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. Further details on each location can be found here.The Far North and Far West offices cover a wide area and include multiple Child Protection teams working on a FIFO roster. The region has a strong workplace culture built on supporting one another and maintains close partnerships with both Government and non-Government agencies. This collaborative approach helps the teams build meaningful connections with the community, including the local Aboriginal communities they serve.BenefitsAn opportunity to collaborate with local government, non-government and community to achieve collective outcomesAn opportunity to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young peopleA strong community culture and multidisciplinary teamThe opportunity to work across a wide variety of work settings in regional, rural and remote areasAccess to professional development and support networks that will foster skills and develop leadershipMake Your Qualification Go FurtherSame degree, more reward. At DCP, practice leaders 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 OfferEmployee Wellbeing: Free annual flu vaccination, Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling for you and your family), and other wellbeing initiatives.Career Development: Permanent roles, annual increments, up to $2,500 in professional development support, and clear career pathways.Parental & Partner Leave: Paid leave options to support you and your family.Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.Learning & Development: Strong commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning opportunities.Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SALeave Loading: Applicable in line with Enterprise AgreementProfessional Development (PD) a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP2 level)Additional Qualifications AllowanceRelocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)8-day fortnight FIFO roster (FIFO roster rotation to be agreed with the Site Manager.)12% Attraction/Retention Allowance20% FIFO Allowance (3 years)Rostered weekends included (with FIFO allowance covering penalties)In this role, you willMentor and support Social Workers to build skills and confidence.Lead complex casework and provide expert advice on decisions.Chair case conferences, reviews and prepare high-quality reports.Guide practice development and influence service improvements.To be successfulYou are an experienced professional who thrives on leading, mentoring and influencing others. You bring strong expertise in child protection frameworks, legislation and practice, and you are confident handling complex situations.You are skilled at building relationships across teams, agencies and communities, and you are committed to delivering culturally inclusive and safe practice. Whether guiding colleagues through casework or shaping broader practice development, your leadership makes a lasting difference. If you are ready to share your knowledge and inspire others, we encourage you to apply.Special ConditionsEssential 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).Pool InformationWe 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.Please note: DCP reserves the right to advertise similar positions outside of this pool process.Additional DetailsTo find out more about this role, including the key selection criteria and special conditions, please click on the attached role descriptions.PLEASE NOTE: As the system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, it is recommended that you click "SAVE AND NEXT" to ensure that your application is retained. This ensures that you will be able to resume your application by clicking "CONTINUE".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.Contact UsEnquiries to Jacquelyn Caputo - Manager Regional ServicesEnquiries to Jacquelyn Caputo - Manager Regional Services 0427 848 003 [email protected] workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBQTI+ communities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.Application InstructionsPlease submit the following as part of your application:Resume/Curriculum Vitae (not exceeding 4 pages).Cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the role by addressing the key competencies/key selection criteria (not exceeding 2 pages).Prepare 2 referees (at least one should be your current or recent line manager), to be provided on request.For assistance with any technical issues please contact the help desk on [email protected] 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr