EOI - SENIOR PRACTITIONER

Child Protection; Australia; Remote; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Department for Child Protection (DCP) Hindmarsh office seeks internal expressions of interest for a Senior Practitioner role. You will guide Social Workers and Case Managers, provide expert case management advice, and influence practice while driving continuous improvement.

This dual classification may be filled as Senior Social Worker (AHP2) or Senior Professional Officer (PO2) depending on qualifications and suitability. AHP/PO-related eligibility applies.

Qualifications

• AHP positions require Social Work qualification and eligibility for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• PO positions require relevant qualifications in Community Services, Social Sciences, Health or other related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and consultation to support effective case management.
• Mentor, coach and encourage staff to strengthen professional capability and confidence.
• Provide professional guidance on complex cases and case direction.
• Share knowledge, facilitate learning and contribute to a culture of reflective practice.
• Support the ongoing development of practice, service delivery and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Mentoring

Guidance

Case guidance

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Social Work qualification

PO/Community Services, Social Sciences, Health qualifications

Job description

Full-time temporary vacancy until 30 October 2026, with possibility of extension

Turn your experience into practical guidance for others

Work alongside experienced colleagues in a team that supports each other.

Bring what you do best to a team that values it.

Our Hindmarsh office is seeking internal expressions of interest for a Senior Social Worker or Senior Professional Officer to join the team as a Senior Practitioner. You’ll provide expert guidance to Social Workers and Case Managers to support the delivery of high-quality outcomes, while helping influence practice and drive continuous improvement.

Joining the Hindmarsh office means becoming part of a close-knit team with a genuine commitment to working together. Ideas are shared openly and people draw on each other’s experience. The team focuses on finding practical ways forward and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

This is a single vacancy offered under a dual classification, meaning it may be filled by either a qualified Senior Social Worker (AHP2) or Senior Professional Officer (PO2), depending on the qualifications and suitability of the successful applicant.

• AHP (Allied Health Professional) positionsrequireapplicantstoholdaSocial Workqualificationandbeeligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• PO (Professional Officer) positionsrequirerelevantqualifications inCommunity Services, Social Sciences, Human Services, Healthor other related fields.

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).

In this role, you will:

• Provide expert advice and consultation to support effective case management
• Mentor, coach and encourage staff to strengthen professional capability and confidence
• Provide professional guidanceon complex casesand case direction
• Share knowledge, facilitate learning and contribute to a culture of reflective practice
• Support the ongoing development of practice, service delivery and continuous improvement initiatives.

About you:

• You are an experienced practitioner who values collaboration and building positive working relationships
• You provide clear, practical guidance that supports quality practice and informed decision-making
• You confidently apply legislation, policy and practice frameworks in complex situations
• You enjoy coaching and developing others, helping them build confidence and capability
• You bring strong analytical skills, sound professional judgement and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes.

Bring your experience to the Hindmarsh office and be part of a welcoming team where great practice and great people intersect.

• 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 Nadia Sherwood - Business Manager

Enquiries to Nadia Sherwood - 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.