Role Status: Full-time term vacancy available until 24 April 2026.

Remuneration: $68,478 - $102,240 + 12% Super

Please disregard the 'Open to Everyone', 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

Role details

Join us along the beautiful Murray River in the Riverland Region as Social Worker for our Berri Office.

We're seeking a committed and culturally knowledgeable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander professional to support vulnerable children and families. This is a full-time, term position. In DCP we refer to this specific role as an Aboriginal Family Practitioner.

In this role, you will:

Respond to reports of child abuse and neglect involving Aboriginal families, including reviewing and reassessing cases when new information comes to light.

Monitor family strengths and challenges, supporting Aboriginal families through respectful and culturally safe consultation processes.

Build and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal communities and key partners to support positive outcomes for children and families.

Help families connect with local services that can support their wellbeing, safety, and ability to make lasting positive changes.

To be successful:

You can manage competing priorities and plan your workload effectively. You understand Aboriginal kinship systems and can build strong, respectful relationships with families and communities.

You bring sound problem-solving skills and a practical approach to finding solutions. You are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive working environment.

If you're passionate about working alongside Aboriginal families to make a genuine difference, 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.

What We Offer:

Employee Assistance Program: confidential and independent counselling for you and your family.

Strong commitment to learning and development.

Paid Parental and Partner Leave.

Free annual flu vaccination for staff.

Leave loading and salary packaging opportunities.

Special Conditions

Essential Qualifications: A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers; or Appropriate degree qualification in Community Services, Social Sciences, Human Services, Health or related field.

Berri:

Nestled on the vibrant banks of the Murray River, Berri is a charming Riverland town with just over 4,000 friendly residents and a stunning riverfront perfect for picnics, sports, swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. Here, teamwork thrives as employees build strong partnerships across government and community sectors, making a real difference in people's lives. This is your chance to join a close-knit community and support meaningful outcomes. Click the link for more information on working with DCP in Berri.

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 DCP.

Social Worker: $68,478 - $83,594 + 12% Super

Senior Social Worker: $88,255 - $102,240 + 12% Super

To be appointed directly to the Senior Position (AHP2 level), successful candidates must demonstrate increased professional expertise, competence and experience to perform any standard professional task within the discipline. Candidates will have also attained greater specialised knowledge within the discipline which enables them to provide professional services to client groups in circumstances requiring increasingly complex practice skills.

The DCP Call Centre operates on a 24 hours shift work basis. In some roles you will be required to undertake regular out of hours work, and attendance at nights, evenings and weekends on a rotating shift basis. Appropriate penalties are applied for this arrangement.

Pursuant to Section 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984 only people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island 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: Shannon Rowson, Supervisor, Phone: 8595 2400, Email: [email protected]

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: 16 July 2025 11:00 PM