SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER / SENIOR CASE MANAGER

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

Benefits offered by this job

Child Protection Allowance

Professional Development Allowance

Salary Packaging

Job summary

The Department for Child Protection in Adelaide is seeking a Senior Social Worker or Senior Case Manager to safeguard the wellbeing of children and young people through complex investigations and risk assessments. The role is based in metropolitan Adelaide with intrastate and interstate travel as required.

Two classifications apply: AHP2 and PO2, with salary bands and allowances including Child Protection Allowance and Professional Development Support.

Qualifications

• AHP positions require Social Work qualification and eligibility for AASW membership.
• PO positions require qualifications in Community Services, Social Sciences, Health or related fields.
• Essential qualifications emphasize professional credentials and professional registration.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex investigations and risks within a child protection framework.
• Oversee case management services addressing needs of children and young people.
• Review notifications of abuse and investigation results with specialist insight.
• Evaluate risk of abuse to ensure care outcomes align with departmental guidelines.
• Produce written and verbal intervention reports and care plans.

Skills

Cultural awareness

Verbal communication

Written communication

Risk assessment

Education

Social Work degree or equivalent

Related field qualifications (Community Services, Social Sciences, Health)

Job description

SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER / SENIOR CASE MANAGER

Reference 8X2EFEC5

SA Public Sector Employees Only

Division: Department for Child Protection

Location: Adelaide

Salary Range: $94,997 - $110,052/$94,769 - $109,787

Classification: AHP2/PO2

Engagement Type: Term

Closing Date: 24 Nov 2026 11:00 PM

Role Highlights

Full-time temporary vacancy available until 31 December 2027

Guide valuable risk assessments and investigations to elevate care outcomes

Child Protection Allowance in addition to annual salary.

As a Senior Social Worker (Allied Health Professional) or Senior Case Manager (Professional Officer), you will safeguard the wellbeing and safety of children and young people through complex investigations and risk assessments. Based in metropolitan Adelaide, this dynamic and diverse role will involve intrastate and interstate travel to fulfill your specialist child protection duties. This will strengthen culturally informed risk assessments that promotes stability and security for vulnerable youth.

The hiring manager, Jacquelyn Caputo, strongly encourages applicants to contact her via mobile or email before submitting their application to gain a greater understanding of the job requirements and special conditions.

This is a single vacancy offered under a dual classification. The successful applicant will be appointed at the appropriate classification level based on their qualifications, experience and suitability for the role.

Essential Qualifications:

• 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:

• Manage complex investigations and risks assessments that adheres to a child protection framework
• Oversee vital case management services that responds to the needs of children and young people
• Review and assess notifications of child abuse and results of investigations, employing specialist knowledge and insight
• Evaluate the risk of abuse and failure to protect to ensure care outcomes of youth adhere to departmental guidelines
• Produce written and verbal intervention reports and care plans that maintain accurate reporting processes.

About you:

• You possess high-level cultural awareness and interpersonal skills when conducting complex risk assessments
• You exhibit specialist knowledge of child developmental stages and child protection frameworks
• You have exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• You are an enthusiastic team collaborator who can achieve goals collectively and independently
• You can work under professional direction to handle complex issues and workload obligations.

AHP2: $94,997 – $110,052 p.a. + 12% super
+4% Child Protection Allowance
+Professional Development Allowance
+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

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 driver’s licence (P2 or above) and willingness to drive is essential
• Some intra/interstate travel (including in a small aircraft) and overnight stay may be required.

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 Jacquelyn Caputo - Manager, Regional Services 0427 848 003 [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.