senior social worker

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 703818

Location: MOUNT BARKER

Job status: Short Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Extra 4% allowance for our social workers: highest-paying in SA Government

Annual salary increases & up to $2,500 support for your growth

Employer contribution of 12% towards your superannuation.

Role Details:

Your Opportunity

Senior Social Worker

Are you ready to put your social work expertise into action where it matters most? As a Senior Social Worker with the Department for Child Protection, you will take on complex casework that directly impacts the safety and wellbeing of children across South Australia. This role is both challenging and rewarding, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills with independence while working closely with supportive colleagues. If you're looking for a role where your work creates lasting positive outcomes for children and families, this is it.

Location

Mount Barker is one of the fastest-growing communities in South Australia, offering a welcoming country lifestyle with the convenience of city living. Just 30 minutes from Adelaide, the town is surrounded by rolling Adelaide Hills, fresh local produce, and a thriving café and market culture. It's a place where families, professionals, and nature-lovers alike enjoy a relaxed pace of life without missing out on modern amenities.

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

• 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: AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA
• Professional Development (PD) – a $1,000 allowance increasing incrementally each year + reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP2 level)
• Relocation assistance & incentives – Eligibility government housing, or rental support (regional/remote only).
• Regional assistance – Mount Barker offers a 5-year Regional Incentive starting at $882, with annual increases recognising your dedication to supporting the local community.
• Additional Qualifications Allowance
• Support – free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.
• Recognition – annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

In this role, you will:

• Lead complex investigations and assessments focused on child safety and wellbeing
• Provide case management and support to children, families, and carers
• Work with families to build capacity for safe and positive parenting
• Prepare clear, evidence-based reports and present in court when required

To be successful:

You are an experienced social worker who thrives when applying your skills to complex, challenging situations. You bring strong case management expertise, the ability to work independently, and the confidence to make sound decisions that safeguard children.

You communicate clearly and with compassion, preparing high-quality reports and working collaboratively with families, colleagues, and community partners. Your approach is inclusive and culturally respectful, recognising the importance of supporting families from diverse backgrounds.

If you're ready to apply your skills where they matter most and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference, 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.

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: Hayley Stirling - Manager St Marys 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: 24/10/2025 11:00 PM