Principal Aboriginal Consultants

Department for Child Protection, South Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Parental and Partner Leave

Recognition and Growth

Salary Packaging

Fitness Passport and wellbeing support

Job summary

Department for Child Protection, South Australia invites applications for Principal Aboriginal Consultant roles based in Adelaide with travel across the Far North Far West region, including Coober Pedy and APY Lands. You will lead culturally informed practice, guide decision-making and drive improvements for Aboriginal children and families.

The position emphasizes cultural leadership, mentorship and strategic contribution to policy and program development within DCP.

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent is required to apply.
• A degree level qualification in Social Work with eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Cultural knowledge

Coaching

Mentoring

Collaborative approach

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Classification: AHP4

Salary Range: $123,048 - $133,957 + 4% child protection allowance

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 Far North Far West (FNFW) team has multiple opportunities for Principal Aboriginal Consultants to deliver child protection services across diverse regional, rural and remote communities. These roles are based in Adelaide, with regular regional travel across the FNFW service area, including Coober Pedy, the APY Lands, Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla.

As Principal Aboriginal Consultant, you will draw on your cultural knowledge and social work expertise to drive practice excellence across the organisation. You will use your judgement and provide guidance to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and carers. You will lead quality improvement initiatives and contribute to policy and program development, with your work informing strategic planning across the organisation.

This position will suit someone who values continuous learning, brings a thoughtful approach to their work and leads with confidence and purpose.

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 in Social Work which 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).

Salary and benefits:

• AHP4: $123,048 - $133,957 + 12% super
• +Entitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses
• +Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role.

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
• Paid Parental and Partner Leave – additional paid time to support you and your growing family
• 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 on our website at bit.ly/WorkingWithDCP

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 have a current Working With Children Check
• You must have a current Australian driver’s licence (P2 or above) and a willingness to drive.