SENIOR PRACTITIONER

Child Protection; City of Playford; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Paid Parental and Partner Leave

Salary Packaging

Health and Fitness Perks

Wellbeing Support

Driver licence required

Job summary

Department for Child Protection in Adelaide’s Playford region is seeking Senior Practitioners to mentor Social Workers and Case Managers, guiding high-quality practice across the team. You will use expert judgement, provide consultation, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery.

The role emphasizes collaboration, professional development, and culturally inclusive practice, with opportunities to influence case direction and outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Qualifications

• Social workers with case management experience in child protection.
• Eligibility for AASW membership is required for AHP2 track.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance to Social Workers and Case Managers.
• Support high-quality case management and practice.
• Coach staff to build capability and confidence.
• Share knowledge to support evidence-informed practice.
• Promote culturally inclusive casework and drive service improvements.

Skills

Social work practice

Case management

Mentoring coaching

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor/Master of Social Work

AASW eligibility

Job description

Multiple full-time temporary vacancies available until 2 July 2027

Turn your experience into valuable guidance for others

Child Protection Allowance in addition to annual salary.

OurPlayfordoffice has multiple opportunities forSenior Social WorkersorSenior Professional Officersto join the team asSenior Practitioners.

As a SeniorPractitioner, you willprovide expert guidanceto Social Workersand Case Managers, supporting high-qualitycase management andeffective practice acrossthe team. Throughconsultation, advice andprofessional development, you willbuild capability andidentify opportunitiesto improve howservices are delivered. Working closely withcolleagues and partnerorganisations, you willsupport positive outcomesand contribute to ateam that valuesexperience 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) 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:

• 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 inclusivepractice 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:

Salary:
AHP2: $94,997 - $110,052 p.a. + 12% super
+4% child protection allowance
+Professional Development Allowance and theentitlement to claim reimbursement of eligible professional development expenses
+QualificationAllowance may applyif you hold anadditionalqualificationrelevant to the role.

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

What’sin itfor you – Perks That Matter:

• A collaborative team environment,workingalongside 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 growingfamily
• Recognition and Growth – we celebrate your achievements and opendoors to development across DCP
• SalaryPackaging – reduce your taxable income with a range of pre-tax benefits
• Health and Fitness Perks – free fluvaccination plus access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitnesscentresand pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family
• Wellbeing Support -confidentialEmployee Assistance Program services for you and your family.
• 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 Theadora Nicola - Supervisor

Enquiries to Theadora Nicola - Supervisor [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.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.