SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER

Child Protection; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Paid parental leave

Salary packaging

Fitness Passport program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Senior Project Officer in the Out of Home Care (OOHC) Operational Support team in Adelaide will lead and contribute to complex projects, policy and procedure development, service improvement and operational reform across the directorate. You will translate evidence, policy and strategic direction into practical guidance and solutions that support safe, consistent and high-quality practice.

You will prepare clear and sensitive advice for senior leaders, coordinate consultation and governance

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of child protection and Out of Home Care (OOHC).
• Ability to manage complex projects and priorities with sound judgment.
• Research and synthesize complex information to inform policies and briefs.
• Build relationships and coordinate consultation across stakeholders.
• Commitment to children’s rights, trauma-informed practice and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead and monitor complex OOHC projects and service improvements.
• Develop and quality assure policies, guidelines, briefs and executive reports.
• Research evidence and service data to identify issues, risks and options.
• Coordinate consultation, governance processes and stakeholder relations.
• Translate policy directions into practical, trauma-informed guidance for delivery.

Skills

Child protection

Project management

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Trauma-informed

Job description

Full-time temporary vacancy available until 30 June 2027

Shape policy, procedure, projects and service improvement across Out of Home Care

Provide high-quality advice, briefings and consultation support on complex operational issues.

As a Senior Project Officer in the Out of Home Care (OOHC) Operational Support team in Adelaide, you will lead and contribute to complex projects, policy and procedure development, service improvement and operational reform across the directorate. Working with operational areas, corporate teams, government and non-government partners, you will translate evidence, policy and strategic direction into practical guidance and solutions that support safe, consistent and high-quality practice.

You will prepare clear and sensitive advice for senior leaders, coordinate consultation and governance processes and analyse emerging issues. This will ensure OOHC policies, procedures and service systems are culturally responsive, trauma-informed and centred on the rights, voice, safety, wellbeing and connections of children and young people.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, plan, implement and monitor complex projects, initiatives and service improvements across OOHC
• Develop and quality assure policies, procedures, guidelines, project briefs, reports, discussion papers and executive briefings
• Research and analyse evidence, operational information, service data and stakeholder feedback to identify issues, options, risks and recommendations
• Coordinate consultation, working groups, committees and governance processes, and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Translate strategic and policy directions into practical, culturally responsive and trauma-informed guidance that supports consistent service delivery, particularly for Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.

About you:

• You have strong knowledge of child protection and Out of Home Care, including the operational issues affecting children, young people, carers, families and service providers
• You can manage complex projects and competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and progress work from analysis and consultation through to implementation and review
• You can research, analyse and integrate complex information to produce clear, concise and evidence-informed policies, procedures, reports and briefings
• You build productive relationships, facilitate consultation and navigate differing perspectives to achieve practical and timely outcomes
• You demonstrate a strong commitment to children’s rights and voice, trauma-informed practice, Aboriginal cultural safety, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Why You’ll Love It Here - DCP Benefits 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.
• You must have a current Australian driver’s licence and a willingness to drive is essential.

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 Heidi Brook - Manager, Out of Home Care, Operational Support 0400 265 540 [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.