social worker

Department for Child Protection

Job reference: 709615

Location: BLAIR ATHOL

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:

Join the Department for Child Protection as a Social Worker / Senior Social Worker based in Blair Athol, with multiple positions available for passionate professionals ready to make a difference. In these meaningful roles, you'll provide quality case management, assess risk, and work alongside families to create safe and supportive environments for children and young people. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise, build your practice, and contribute to lasting positive change within a collaborative and supportive team environment.

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: (AHP1: $71,217 – $86,938 p.a.) / (AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 p.a.) + 12% super for both AHP1 and AHP2
• 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
• 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:

• Deliver high quality, child-centred case management and intervention services
• Undertake investigations, assessments and support planning for children and families
• Prepare reports and evidence-based recommendations for care planning and court
• Support parents and caregivers to build skills and maintain safe home environments

To be successful:

You will bring strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to assess and respond effectively to the needs of children and families. Your understanding of child development, family systems and social work practice will enable you to deliver quality, evidence-based interventions that promote safety, stability and positive outcomes.

You will demonstrate a commitment to inclusive, culturally sensitive practice and the ability to manage priorities while maintaining professional standards. Whether you are an emerging practitioner or an experienced professional, DCP offers a supportive environment where you can continue to grow, learn and make a meaningful impact.

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:

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: Mel Rowe - Business Manager 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