Senior Youth and Family Practitioner

Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.

About the Business

Our Aboriginal Practice and Partnerships team coordinates activities that aim to improve outcomes for Aboriginal clients, their families and communities. This includes informing DHS policy and practice, supporting staff who are Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal working in Aboriginal-focused programs, and providing direct supports to Aboriginal young people and their families in partnership with community.

The Child Diversion and Young Offenders Programs are looking to fill multiple roles, some of which are identified for only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

There are Senior Youth and Family Practitioner and Senior Youth Aboriginal Family Practitioner roles available which are accountable to the Principal Aboriginal Practice Lead (Aboriginal Practice and Partnerships) for:

Assessing and responding to the individual needs of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people and their families to support positive pathways, cultural connection and long-term desistance from offending behaviours.

Developing and maintaining partnerships to provide community-based programs and appropriate referral pathways consistent with legislation and DHS priorities.

Assisting in the development of individual case formulations to achieve outcomes for Young Offenders and Child Diversion Program participants.

Special Conditions

National Police Check required.
Employment-related Screening Check required.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.
Must hold a current Australian issued driver's licence (equivalent to minimum class C).

Essential Qualifications:

A degree level qualification in Social Work leading to eligibility for (full) membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Persons of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who have the appropriate background and skills but do not hold 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 with the Department of Human Services.

DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.

We are committed to making workplace adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment experience and supportive work environment. If you require any assistance with our recruitment process, please contact us at dhsrecruitment@sa.gov.au and a member of our team will get back to you.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

We're committed to delivering modern programs, services and policy, which strengthen communities.

We're looking for people with passion and integrity who are committed to make a difference, so South Australians thrive:

• Help people who may be disadvantaged, marginalised or in a vulnerable situation.

• Support people be informed, active participants in decision-making and local solutions.

• Increase opportunities for positive development of children and young people.

• Pursue the full participation of women in the state's social and economic life.

• Engage with Aboriginal families and communities to connect them with access to meaningful services.

We're committed to delivering modern programs, services and policy, which strengthen communities.

We're looking for people with passion and integrity who are committed to make a difference, so South Australians thrive:

• Help people who may be disadvantaged, marginalised or in a vulnerable situation.

• Support people be informed, active participants in decision-making and local solutions.

• Increase opportunities for positive development of children and young people.

• Pursue the full participation of women in the state's social and economic life.

• Engage with Aboriginal families and communities to connect them with access to meaningful services.

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