EOI - PRINCIPAL ABORIGINAL CONSULTANT

Child Protection; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Department for Child Protection (DCP) in Woodville seeks a Principal Aboriginal Consultant to lead culturally inclusive practice and drive quality improvement across the office. You will draw on cultural knowledge and social work expertise to contribute to policy and program development, supporting both operational and strategic practice with Managers, Supervisors and Practice Leaders.

Reporting to senior leaders, you will provide expert guidance, lead cultural practice initiatives and

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work with eligibility for full membership of Australian Association of Social Workers.
• Strong knowledge of Aboriginal Child Placement Principle to influence practice.
• Ability to lead culturally inclusive practice and support quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally inclusive practice leadership and guidance.
• Drive practice excellence and quality improvement across the office.
• Support operational and strategic practice with Managers and Practice Leaders.
• Build relationships with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
• Coach, mentor and share knowledge to strengthen culturally appropriate practice.

Skills

Cultural guidance

Coaching

Leadership

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Full-time temporary vacancy available until 2 April 2027

Influence culturally responsive practice across the organisation

Build relationships and share expertise across teams.

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

Our Woodville team is seeking internal expressions of interest for a Principal Aboriginal Consultant to provide culturally inclusive practice leadership and drive quality improvement initiatives across the office. Drawing on your cultural knowledge and social work expertise, you will contribute to policy and program development, support operational and strategic practice, and drive practice excellence. Working closely with Managers, Supervisors and Practice Leaders, you will provide expert guidance and critical thinking to strengthen culturally appropriate practice and improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and carers.

In this role, you will:

• Support culturally responsive practice through the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle
• Provide cultural advice and consultation on practice matters and decision-making
• Share knowledge through coaching, mentoring and collaborative approaches
• Lead cultural practice initiatives that support learning and improvement
• Build relationships with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

About you:

• You provide advice and consultation to support quality child protection practice
• You bring leadership and expertise that strengthens practice for Aboriginal children, young people and families
• You use your knowledge of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle to influence practice
• You build strong relationships and work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and partners
• You promote learning through knowledge sharing, coaching and reflective practice.

• A degree level qualification inSocial Workwhich 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).

Special Conditions

For the purpose of this advertisement and links provided, the term Aboriginal is used to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within South Australia. This is not intended to exclude Torres Strait Islander people, or people that identify as being of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

• You must haveacurrent Australian driver’s licence (P2 or above) and a willingness to drive.

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.

Contact Us

Enquiries to Nicole Thomson - Business Manager [phone] [e-mail]

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.