Lead Project Officer - Reunification Services

Department For Child Protection; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Salary packaging

Health and fitness perks

Wellbeing support

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Department for Child Protection (DCP) in Adelaide CBD seeks a Lead Project Officer, Reunification Services, to drive reform, manage contracts, and coordinate service delivery across government and community sectors. The role focuses on performance monitoring, capacity management, and guidance on legislative changes.

The successful candidate will lead service reform initiatives, develop contract models with measurable outcomes, and analyse demand and resources to inform strategic decision-making,

Qualifications

• Experience leading service reform and delivering projects aligned with strategic objectives.
• Understanding governance, financial accountability, contract management and project management principles in a SA Government context.
• Ability to gather and analyse data, conduct research and apply findings to inform decisions and assess performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead reunification service reform, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop service models and contract arrangements, with clear measures to understand impact and outcomes.
• Analyse demand, capacity, and available resources to inform decision-making.
• Prepare strategic advice and reports to guide decisions on service performance, funding, and system improvement.
• Work across government and community sectors to coordinate service delivery.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Report writing

Negotiation

Continuous improvement

Job description

Role Status: Full-time temporary vacancy available for 12 months

Remuneration: ASO7 ($116,089 - $125,490) plus 12% superannuation

We are seeking a Lead Project Officer, Reunification Services to drive a coordinated approach to reunification services and improve outcomes for children and families. Based in the Adelaide CBD, you will monitor contract performance, optimise capacity management, and support the implementation of legislative changes in partnership with practice areas, service providers and key stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to contribute to strategic reform across the child protection system. The role will suit someone who enjoys managing projects, building strong partnerships and implementing continuous improvement approaches to improve outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Lead reunification service reform, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop service models and contract arrangements, with clear measures to understand impact and outcomes
• Analyse demand, capacity, and available resources to inform decision‑making
• Prepare strategic advice and reports to guide decisions on service performance, funding, and system improvement
• Work across government and community sectors to coordinate service delivery.

About you:

• You have experience leading service reform and delivering projects aligned with strategic objectives
• You understand governance, financial accountability, contract management and project management principles in a South Australian Government context
• You build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and use negotiation skills to manage complex and sensitive issues
• You can gather and analyse data, conduct research and apply findings to inform decisions and assess performance
• You are a proactive problem-solver who can identify opportunities, navigate uncertainty and drive continuous improvement
• You communicate clearly and prepare reports, briefings and advice for a range of audiences.

What’s in it for you – Perks That Matter:

At DCP, these are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact
• Flexible working options with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
• Recognition and Growth – we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP
• Salary Packaging – reduce your taxable income with a range of pre‑tax benefits
• Health and Fitness Perks – free flu vaccination plus access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family
• Wellbeing Support - confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

See our full list of benefits.

About DCP

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:

• You must have a current Working With Children Check.

For a successful application you will need to respond to all points listed under the your capabilities section of the attached role description. Please also note any special conditions that may be listed.

Want to know more?

Contact Kristal Comeadow - Assistant Director, Financial Reform and Strategic Programs for a confidential discussion

Via tel: [phone] or email: [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.

Applications close: 22 November 2026, 11:00 PM