principal social worker

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 697094

Location: KESWICK

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

Term vacancy until 30 January 2026.

Role Details:

Your Opportunity

Principal Social Worker (AHP4)

Bring your leadership and expertise to shape the future of social work practice in child protection. As a Principal Social Worker, you'll guide, mentor, and influence the next generation of practitioners while playing a key role in strengthening outcomes for children, young people, and families across South Australia.

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: AHP4 $118,887 - $129,427 p.a. plus 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
• 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 supervise social work staff, supporting professional growth and high-quality practice
• Champion social work ethics, standards, and inclusive, evidence-based approaches in all areas of service delivery
• Apply a wide range of social work methods and child protection practices, using research and evidence to inform improvements
• Drive workforce learning and development by assessing needs, designing programs, and supporting continuous learning
• Evaluate training programs and projects, monitoring outcomes and providing clear reports on their success
• Oversee key departmental projects and engage stakeholders to ensure outcomes are delivered on time and within budget.

To be successful:

You are a highly accomplished social work leader with a proven record of shaping practice, building workforce capability, and influencing positive outcomes for children and families. You combine extensive frontline experience with the ability to think strategically and apply evidence-based, ethical approaches in complex environments.

You are an inspiring communicator who coaches, mentors, and leads others with integrity. Your leadership not only strengthens practice standards but also builds confidence, resilience, and excellence across the workforce. If you're ready to bring your expertise to a role where your leadership is valued, your contribution is recognised, and your impact is lasting, we encourage you to apply.

Special Conditions:

Essential: A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers and at least 2 years post graduate experience.

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

Enquiries: Sarah Kritikos - Manager Corporate Training & Systems 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: 15/09/2025 11:00 PM