Role Details

This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984

The Department for Child Protection is seeking a Principal Aboriginal Consultant to join the Far North, Far West Team on a full-time term basis.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

Leading culturally inclusive operational and strategic interventions for Aboriginal children, young people and their families.

Conducting research on current innovative cultural practices and tools which can assist in overcoming barriers and cultural biases.

Promoting practice excellence to achieve improved outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, their families and carers.

Identifying skill and knowledge gaps amongst office staff and facilitate training or other development activities.

Collaborating with Managers, Supervisors and Practice Leaders and provide critical thinking to monitor culturally appropriate practices.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the political, historical and socio-economic circumstances that have affected Aboriginal people, their culture and communities, as well as current trends and emerging issues.

Exceptional leadership qualities including engaging and motivating staff to achieve practice excellence.

Knowledge of child protection issues and systems affecting Aboriginal children, young people, their families and carers.

Experience in a professional learning and development environment, including contributing to the delivery of workplace learning opportunities, mentoring, coaching and co-working with staff.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills including legally defensible writing.

If you are a dynamic leader who can engage and motivate staff to achieve practice excellence, then 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.

There are many benefits to working with DCP, including:

Leave loading and salary packaging opportunities.

Paid parental and partner leave.

Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling for you and your family).

Free annual flu vaccination for staff.

Fitness Passport (gives you and your family access to a wide choice of gyms and pools across South Australia).

Special Conditions

Essential Qualifications: A degree level qualification in Social Work 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 for Child Protection (DCP).

Pursuant to Section 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 only people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent may apply for this role.

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

Enquiries: Melissa Wicks, Regional Director on 0438 896 571 or email: [email protected]

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBQTI+ communities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button to be re-directed to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications Close: 19 June 2025 11:00 PM