practice leader

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 700821

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time term vacancy available until 13 November 2026

Remuneration: $118,887 - $129,427

Role Details:

Join the Department for Child Protection as a Practice Leader in Out of Home Care based in Adelaide. This senior role is your chance to shape practice standards, influence policy and drive positive change for children and young people who are living in care. You will provide expert guidance, mentor social workers and lead improvements that align with our therapeutic framework. If you are passionate about leading strategy, supporting professional growth and strengthening the OoHC system, this is your opportunity to create lasting impact.

Make Your Qualification Go Further

Same 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 Offer

• Employee 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.

Income & Benefits

• Salary: AHP4 $118,887 - $129,427 p.a. plus 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection practice leaders, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA
• Leave Loading: Applicable in line with Enterprise Agreement
• Professional Development: $1,000 allowance (increasing each year) plus reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,500 (AHP4 level)
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Relocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)

In this role, you will

• Lead, mentor and guide OoHC social workers to deliver high quality practice
• Provide expert advice and evidence based solutions to leaders and stakeholders
• Shape OoHC policy and practice improvements within a therapeutic framework
• Promote professional learning and development opportunities across the team
• Build strong partnerships with carers, families and community services

To be successful

You are an experienced social work leader who thrives on influencing practice and inspiring others. You bring deep expertise in Out of Home Care, child protection and family services, and you are committed to using evidence based approaches to improve outcomes for children, families and carers.

You are skilled in building strong relationships, mentoring staff and creating a culture of professional growth. With your ability to balance strategy and hands on leadership, you will shape practice policy, guide decision making and leave a lasting impact on the sector.

If you are ready to lead with purpose and passion, we encourage you to apply.

About the Business:

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.

What We Offer:

• Employee Assistance Program: confidential and independent counselling for you and your family.
• Strong commitment to learning and development.
• Paid Parental and Partner Leave.
• Free annual flu vaccination for staff.
• Leave loading and salary packaging opportunities.

Special Conditions:

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

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

Enquiries: Karina Major - Lead Practitioner Therapeutic Residential Care on or email:

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: 01/10/2025 11:00 PM