Extra 4% allowance for our social workers: highest-paying in SA Government

Annual salary increases & up to $2,500 support for your growth

Term vacancy until 1 February 2026

Your Opportunity

Senior Social Worker

Join the Department for Child Protection (DCP) as a Senior Social Worker and use your expertise to lead complex child protection cases. This role gives you the independence to apply your skills, while working closely with families, children, and communities to deliver meaningful change. You'll play a vital part in safeguarding young people, strengthening family connections, and shaping better outcomes across South Australia.

Make Your Qualification Go Further Same degree, more reward. At DCP, social workers receive the highest pay in the SA Government, thanks to an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in our Enterprise Agreement. Combine that with up to $2,500 annual professional development support, clear pathways for advancement, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy in child protection, and your qualification goes further here than anywhere else.

Why Work with DCP? At the Department for Child Protection, you'll find more than just a job. You'll discover a career where your skills are valued, your impact is meaningful, and your rewards are unmatched. We play a key role in protecting children, young people, and their families in South Australia, providing support to help vulnerable individuals be safe, strong, and connected.

What We Offer

Employee Wellbeing: Free annual flu vaccination, Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling for you and your family), and other wellbeing initiatives.

Career Development: Permanent roles, annual increments, up to $2,500 in professional development support, and clear career pathways.

Parental & Partner Leave: Paid leave options to support you and your family.

Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence.

Learning & Development: Strong commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning opportunities.

Income & Benefits

Salary: AHP2: $91,785 - $106,330 p.a. + 12% super

Exclusive Allowance: Extra 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement, making DCP the highest-paying government employer in SA

Leave Loading: Applicable in line with Enterprise Agreement

Professional Development: $1,000 allowance (increasing each year) plus reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,000 (AHP2 level)

Additional Qualifications Allowance

Relocation Assistance & Incentives: Regional incentive payments, government housing, or rental support (for regional/remote roles only)

In this role, you will:

Lead complex investigations and assessments focused on child safety and wellbeing

Deliver tailored interventions that support families and promote positive outcomes

Respond to child protection notifications and reassess cases as new evidence arises

Provide high-quality reports and evidence, including presenting in court proceedings

Build strong, culturally sensitive relationships with families, kin, and community

To be successful:

You are an experienced social worker who thrives on applying your skills independently while working collaboratively with others. You bring confidence in managing complex cases, conducting thorough assessments, and delivering interventions that create meaningful outcomes.

You are a skilled communicator who can prepare clear reports, contribute to court proceedings, and build trust with families, communities, and colleagues. Your culturally sensitive approach ensures that children, including Aboriginal and culturally diverse young people, receive inclusive and effective services.

If you are ready to apply your expertise, strengthen family safety, and make lasting change, 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.

Special Conditions:

Essential: A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

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

Enquiries: Danielle Kershaw, Supervisor on 08 8209 4910 or 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: 6 October 2025 11:00 PM