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 Safer Family Services team delivers a range of services, including intensive family support and multi-agency responses, to help children stay safely at home with their families and avoid the need for out-of-home care. They also help families with parenting support, workshops and connection to community events and initiatives to improve child safety and wellbeing.

Role Details

The Practice Lead is a role within SFS and is accountable to the General Manager for:

Providing practice leadership across SFS, sharing expert practice knowledge to drive practice excellence and improve outcomes for infants, children, young people, and their families.

Working closely with Regional Managers and Supervisors to monitor practice quality, identify practice issues and develop and implement quality improvement strategies.

Providing clinical consultation on cases, and clinical direction and escalation to leadership on sensitive and/or high-risk matters.

Providing clinical supervision to AHP3 Supervisors with a focus on reflective practice and educative support to lead a culture of continuous improvement to deliver effective responses to complex and high-risk child safety matters.

Special Conditions

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 licence (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 17/07/2026.

Essential Qualifications:
An appropriate degree or equivalent which gives 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.

Contact Us

Enquiries to Sally Kirk, 0418 737 842 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.