senior policy and project officer

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 708956

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Ongoing

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only, pursuant to Section 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

Full-time ongoing vacancy available

Lead projects improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and families

Employer contribution of 12% towards your superannuation.

Role Details:

The Department for Child Protection is seeking a passionate Senior Policy and Project Officer to join the Aboriginal Policy and Services Directorate on a full-time term basis in Adelaide. In this role, you'll lead projects, programs and services that improve outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities. You'll help shape DCP's approach to Aboriginal policy and service delivery, championing cultural integrity and genuine systems transformation that makes a lasting difference.

In this role, you will

• Undertake specialist policy, project and program activities that enhance service delivery and outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
• Provide high-quality and timely advice, research and briefings to Executives and key stakeholders.
• Support the development of Aboriginal Policy and Services Directorate priorities, projects and programs.
• Participate in committees, working groups and forums, offering Aboriginal cultural advice on service delivery and initiatives.
• Engage with key strategic reforms, national frameworks and state initiatives to ensure alignment with best practice.

To be successful

We are looking for someone who demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the fundamental human rights of self-determination, access to resources, equity, participation, and respect for and protection of Aboriginal Culture for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

To be successful, you will bring a clear understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, along with sound knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and the issues impacting the delivery of human services. You understand the political, historical and socio-economic circumstances that have disproportionately affected Aboriginal people, their Culture and Communities, as well as the trends and emerging issues shaping future service delivery.

If you are passionate about the rights of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people and want to genuinely influence systems transformation, this may be the role for you.

About the Business:

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in supporting vulnerable children, young people and families across South Australia. Within DCP, the Aboriginal Policy and Services Directorate works to embed Aboriginal cultural legitimacy and responsiveness across all areas of the department, upholding the rights of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander infants, children and young people in contact with the child protection system.

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:

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

Enquiries: Kerry Rogers - Manager Policy Projects and Practice 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: 16/11/2025 11:00 PM