Role Details
The Department for Child Protection is currently looking for a High Risk Infant Worker to join our Far North, Far West team at the Coober Pedy office.

Discover Coober Pedy, the unique and enchanting town where surreal landscapes meet opal treasures, offering an unforgettable outback adventure!

Coober Pedy/APY Lands (FIFO)
The Far North office covers a large area, encompassing Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta and the APY lands. It is a diverse office consisting of two child protection teams who work on a fly in fly out (FIFO) roster of 8 days on, 6 days off. The Far North office has a strong, workplace culture of supporting one another, and maintains good partnerships with other Government and non-Government agencies in town. This collaborative way of working helps the team build strong connections with the community, including the local Aboriginal Communities it serves.

You can also find out more about working with us in a regional area on our Coober/APY Lands information page

The role is responsible for:

Providing thorough assessments whilst coordinating services tailored to the needs of high risk and unborn infants and their families.

Advocating for service delivery improvements for high risk infant cases and expectant parents under guardianship of the Chief Executive.

Supporting social workers and case managers to help build effective partnerships with families and carers.

Providing consultation, advice and training to DCP staff and professionals in relevant external organisations.

Conducting assessments of complex high risk infant cases and evaluations concerns related to unborn children, in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

To be successful, you will have:

Knowledge of infant physical, social and emotional development, children and young people development and the Child Protection Act.

Experience in the provision of support and advice to less experienced case workers.

Expertise in carrying out brief interventions including counselling, behavioural change practices and family interventions.

Knowledge of the social, cultural and environmental influences on family well-being, family development, and positive parenting.

Awareness of Aboriginal cultural practices and/or differences and seek cultural consultation to promote an inclusive practice.

If you are looking for a role where you can further develop your career opportunities, while implementing positive change and providing an essential service to high risk infants and their families, 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 (a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to DCP staff and their families).

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

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).

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

Enquiries: Rickie Carrick, Manager on 0437 141 344 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 LGBTQI+ 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: 20 August 2025 11:00 PM