Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.

Community Youth Justice (CYJ) provides statutory supervision and case management services to children and young people who are subject to supervised youth justice mandates within South Australia. CYJ works in partnership with internal partners and other government and non-government services to promote community safety and meet the identified support needs of young people. This includes assisting young people to plan and achieve goals and maintain compliance with court mandates. Our mission is to Provide focused, responsive and culturally appropriate services and programs to young people that encourage pro-social behaviours by developing partnerships which strengthen connections, support re-integration and build community safety.

The Senior Practitioner is a role within Communities and Justice and is accountable to the Supervisor, Community Youth Justice for:

taking a lead role in monitoring, promoting, and developing a high standard of practice

fostering good working relationships through consultation, advice, and support to case managers and other staff

building the capacity of case managers to provide a high standard of practice

developing and maintaining partnerships to provide community based programs consistent with legislation and DHS priorities

model, promote and monitor quality assurance practices, chair selected case conferences, assessment panel meetings and provide staff with appropriate training to improve client outcomes

provide supervision of children and young people in accordance with conditions and assessed risk and needs and assuming overall responsibility for oversighting, reviewing, and evaluating all aspects of case planning including the making of appropriate referrals and providing programs to address offending behaviour.

facilitate the interests, rights, and needs of clients within the legislative framework and duty of care requirements including providing services that are accessible, fully utilised, and culturally appropriate.

Special Conditions:

National Police Check required.

Employment-related Screening Check required.

Some out of hours work may be required.

Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.

Must hold a current Australian issued driver's licence (equivalent to minimum class C).

This is a full-time contract position (1.0 FTE). The role can be physically based in the Adelaide CBD, Pt Augusta or Whyalla offices and will be expected to regularly travel to different regional locations for the purpose of meeting business needs.

Essential Qualifications
Incumbent must hold a degree level qualification in Social Work leading to eligibility for (full) membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Persons of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who have the appropriate background and skills but do not have the essential qualification, may apply for and be engaged/assigned to the role of Social Worker and will be entitled to apply for any Allied Health Professional roles requiring a qualification in Social Work within the Department Human Services.

Additional Information:
You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of 2 pages, addressing how your skills, experience and capabilities align with the role description. You are also required to provide three work referees, one of whom must be your recent line manager, and attach your current resume via the online application form. For further information and how to apply for this role please visit our DHS website www.dhs.sa.gov.au/careers

Enquiries to: Melissa Hanna, 0428 112 570, [email protected]