Senior Practitioner

Department for Child Protection; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Paid Parental and Partner Leave

Health and Fitness Perks

Salary Packaging

Job summary

Department for Child Protection in Adelaide seeks Senior Practitioners to provide expert guidance to Social Workers and Case Managers, supporting high-quality case management and effective practice across the team. You will mentor staff, share knowledge, and apply specialist judgement to case direction.

The role requires strong child protection and case management experience, with eligibility for AASW membership for AHP2 or relevant qualifications for PO2.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker (AHP2) or Professional Officer (PO2) with applicable qualifications.
• Experience in child protection and case management.
• Eligible for AASW membership (AHP) or relevant professional registrations.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and coach staff to build professional capability and confidence.
• Share knowledge to support evidence-informed case management.
• Apply specialist judgement to case direction and practice development.
• Promote culturally inclusive practice across casework.
• Contribute to service improvements informed by research and quality reviews.

Skills

Coaching

Mentoring

Analytical skills

Professional judgement

Education

Social Work qualification

AASW eligibility

Job description

AHP2 / PO2 ($94,769 - $110,052) + 12% super

Role Status: Multiple full-time temporary vacancies available until 2 July 2027
Remuneration: AHP2 ($94,997 - $110,052) / PO2 ($94,769 - $109,787) + 12% super

Our Playford office has multiple opportunities for Senior Social Workers or Senior Professional Officers to join the team as Senior Practitioners.

As a Senior Practitioner, you will provide expert guidance to Social Workers and Case Managers, supporting high-quality case management and effective practice across the team. Through consultation, advice and professional development, you will build capability and identify opportunities to improve how services are delivered. Working closely with colleagues and partner organisations, you will support positive outcomes and contribute to a team that values experience and collaboration.

This role will suit someone with strong child protection and case management experience who understands the practice, systems and relationships that support effective service delivery within the Department for Child Protection.

These vacancies can be filled by either a qualified Social Worker (AHP2) or Professional Officer (PO2), depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

AHP (Allied Health Professional) positions require applicants to hold a Social Work qualification and be eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

PO (Professional Officer) positions require relevant qualifications in Community Services, Social Sciences, Human Services, Health or 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:

Mentor and coach staff to build professional capability and confidence

Share knowledge to support evidence-informed case management

Apply specialist judgement to case direction and practice development

Promote culturally inclusive practice across casework

Contribute to service improvements informed by research and quality reviews.

About you:

You are an experienced practitioner who values collaboration and building positive working relationships

You provide clear guidance that supports effective 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.

Salary:
AHP2: $94,997 - $110,052 p.a. + 12% super
+4% child protection allowance
+Professional Development Allowance and the entitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses
+Qualification Allowance may apply if you hold an additional qualification relevant to the role.

PO2: $94,769 - $109,787 p.a. + 12% super
+additional child protection allowance.

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.

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.

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

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?

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: 28 October 2026, 11:00 PM