senior child

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 704599

Location: ADELAIDE, MOUNT GAMBIER, WHYALLA

Job status: Short Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Multiple Term Vacancies Available

Lead with purpose and enhance Child & Youth Worker capacity

OPS4 salary $76,561–$80,256 plus 12% super and shift penalties

Do you want to lead a team that inspires young lives every day?

Do you want to mentor others while helping young people feel safe, supported and hopeful for the future?

As a Senior Child & Youth Worker, you will:

• Lead, coach and mentor Child & Youth Workers in residential care
• Support young people to build confidence, life skills and strong connections
• Create safe, therapeutic environments where children can thrive
• Step up in challenging moments and guide others through them

About the Role

Our mission is simple: every young person deserves safety, stability and the chance to reach their potential.

As a Senior Child & Youth Worker, you not only support children and young people but also guide and develop the staff who care for them. You will:

• Provide leadership and direction to Child & Youth Workers on shift
• Support staff to create safe routines, fun activities and meaningful connections
• Be the calm presence when challenges arise, modelling trauma-informed care
• Mentor others through training, reflective practice and day-to-day guidance
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and positive outcomes

Locations

This role offers opportunities in Adelaide Metro, Whyalla and Mount Gambier, as well as surrounding regional communities. Adelaide provides the energy of a vibrant capital city with beaches, parklands and cultural life close by. Whyalla brings a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to the Outback, while Mount Gambier combines stunning natural landmarks with strong community spirit and affordable living. Wherever you are based, you will play a vital role supporting children and families while experiencing the best of South Australia. View our website here for more information about working with DCP in regional areas.

Benefits of working with DCP

You will enjoy the same great benefits as our Child & Youth Workers, plus the opportunity to take your career further with leadership responsibilities:

• Real impact: make a difference in young lives while growing staff capability
• Recognition: be celebrated at our annual DCP Recognition Awards
• Career growth: pathways into senior mentoring and leadership roles
• Support: free counselling for you and your family through our EAP
• Self-care: gyms, fitness centres and pools with Fitness Passport
• Leave & entitlements: up to 5 weeks annual leave, 12% superannuation, and shift penalties that can boost your salary by up to $15,000

About You

You are a confident leader who thrives on mentoring others and guiding teams through complex situations. You bring empathy, patience and strong communication skills, alongside experience working with vulnerable children or young people.

You are someone who can:

• Lead and inspire Child & Youth Workers through coaching and guidance
• Stay calm in complex or challenging situations and model best practice
• Build trust with both staff and young people
• Balance empathy with clear boundaries and safe decision making

Essential Requirements

• SA Driver's Licence (P2 or above) and ability to drive as part of the role
• SA Working with Children Check, with a requirement to maintain suitability
• Current HLTAID012 First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
• Ability to complete induction and ongoing professional development
• Availability to work AM, PM, night shifts, weekends and public holidays
• Completion of Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention within 12 months of commencing employment

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in residential care, youth work or a related field
• Experience training, coaching or mentoring others in a team environment

Salary and Conditions

• OPS4 ($76,561 – $80,256 per annum + 12% Super)
• Shift penalties can increase your salary by up to $15,000 per annum
• Salary packaging + 17.5% leave loading + EAP support for you and your family

What else do you need to know?

Our residential care homes run 24/7 because young people need support around the clock. Shifts rotate, including weekends and public holidays. You will work directly with children and young people while also providing leadership across your team to ensure safe, consistent and high-quality care.

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:

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

Enquiries: Helen Bull - Manager 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: 28/10/2025 11:00 PM