social worker

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 709646

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time term vacancy available until 29 January 2027

Remuneration: PO1 - $68,478 - $83,594 AHP1 - $71,217 - $86,938

Role Details:

Join the Department for Child Protection as a Social Worker / Child Protection Worker within the Out of Home Care Directorate in Adelaide. In this meaningful role, you'll help ensure children and young people are placed in safe, supportive, and nurturing environments that meet their individual needs. Working closely with government and non-government partners, you'll assess placement requests, provide professional recommendations, and contribute to quality care outcomes that promote development, stability, and security. This is a rewarding opportunity to grow your career while making a difference every day.

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.

Essential Qualification

• AHP (Allied Health Professional) positions are designed for applicants who hold a Social Work qualification and are eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• PO (Professional Officer) positions are open to applicants with qualifications in Community Services, Human Services, Social Sciences, Health, or other related fields.

AHP Position

Income & Benefits

• Salary: AHP1: $74,230 (4 year degree) – $86,938 p.a. + 12% super
• Exclusive Allowance: Additional 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement – making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA.

• Professional Development:

• $1,000 PD allowance, increasing incrementally each year

• Reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP1 level)

• Support: Access to free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family.

• Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

Additional Allowances

• Qualifications Allowance: Available for eligible higher qualifications relevant to the role.

PO Position

Income

• Salary: PO1 – $68,478 – $83,594 p.a. + 12% super

In this role, you will

• Undertake assessments and reviews of placement requests to ensure safe and suitable care arrangements.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and non-government partners to achieve positive placement outcomes.
• Provide professional advice, guidance, and quality assurance for referrals and placement decisions.
• Prepare detailed profiles and contribute to matching processes that support children's stability and wellbeing.

To be successful

You will be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people, bringing empathy, sound judgment, and commitment to quality practice. Your ability to undertake thorough assessments and make informed recommendations will help secure placements that best support each child's development and wellbeing.

You'll thrive in a collaborative environment where you can learn, grow, and contribute to a high-performing team dedicated to child safety and family support. A strong understanding of child development, trauma, and relevant legislation will help you make confident and ethical decisions that align with DCP's core values.

If this sounds like you, 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: Helen Beaumont - Supervisor 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: 26/11/2025 11:00 PM