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.

About the Business
Our Pathways, Evidence and Partnerships Directorate clinically assesses referrals for service matching and gathers the latest evidence and data to shape reform and delivery of Child and Family Support System. This includes commissioning non-government organisations to deliver services and equipping practitioners with the resources they need to reduce children's escalation in the child protection system.

Role Details
The Aboriginal Pathways Practitioner, Child and Family Support System (CFSS) Pathways Service is a role within Child and Family Support (CFS) and is accountable to the Supervisor, CFSS Pathways Service for:

Providing efficient and quality initial assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, for the purposes of triaging referrals for at risk children to key stakeholders, to mitigate child protection risks and improve safety for vulnerable children and their families.

Strengthening communication and understanding with key stakeholders to support timely and effective service responses to meet the needs of vulnerable and at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

Promoting and developing strong partnerships, with both government and non-government agencies, to create best outcomes for families.

Working in partnership with all stakeholders across the child protection, education and human service systems, to identify and implement responses for vulnerable families.

Providing consultation on, and a specialist cultural lens for, referrals received by the CFSS Pathways Service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Supporting the CFSS Pathways Service to develop skills in culturally responsive assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families referred to CFSS Pathways Service.

Special Conditions

Only people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent may apply (pursuant to Section 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984).

National Police Check required.

Employment-related Screening Check required.

Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.

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

Must comply with any order, direction, policy or procedure of the Chief Executive or delegate to receive vaccinations.

Role Status: Term up to 06/02/2026.

Essential Qualifications:
An appropriate Social Work qualification from a recognised tertiary institution giving eligibility for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Persons of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who have the appropriate background and skills but do not hold 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 of Human Services.

Contact Us
Enquiries to Luke Travers, 0407 252 980 Email: [email protected]

Diversity And Inclusion
DHS is committed to making our services and workplaces safe and inclusive for all people and ensuring the full diversity of the communities we serve are represented in our workforce, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or neurodivergence, young people, older people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require assistance with this process, please contact us at [email protected] and a member of the team will get back to you.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We also celebrate the many strengths and skills people with disability and/or neurodivergent people bring to our workplace and acknowledge our role in ensuring a supportive work environment for people with disability and/or neurodivergent people to thrive in.