senior social worker

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 700657

Location: ADELAIDE

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

Full-time term vacancy until 30 October 2026.

Role Details:

Step into a leadership role where your expertise shapes placement practice across South Australia. As a Senior Social Worker in Placement Services with the Department for Child Protection, you will assess, review and guide placement requests, ensuring every decision supports stability and security for children and young people. You will lead quality assurance processes, mentor colleagues, and partner with government and non-government agencies to influence best practice. This is your opportunity to lead placement services with purpose, strengthen practice, and create lasting outcomes.

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).
• 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 assessment and referral of placement requests within Practice Services.
• Provide expert consultation and mentoring to strengthen placement practice.
• Ensure quality assurance in referrals and compliance with practice standards.
• Collaborate with NGOs and DCP staff to secure safe and stable care.
• Champion culturally inclusive approaches and consult on Aboriginal practice.

To be Successful

You are an experienced leader in social work practice with a strong understanding of placement pathways and child protection. You can manage complex decisions, guide others through challenges, and uphold high standards of practice that ensure children's best interests are always at the centre. You bring strong consultation and communication skills, enabling you to mentor staff, influence outcomes, and work in partnership with NGOs and government teams. With your expertise, you can translate strategy into practice and create inclusive, culturally safe placement services. If you are ready to shape statewide practice and mentor the next generation of social workers, 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.

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

Enquiries: Mara Penna - Manager Placement Services 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: 03/10/2025 11:00 PM