Senior Practitioner

Support practitioners and shape evidence-based child protection practice. Role Status Full‑time term vacancy available until 4 December 2026. Remuneration AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super / PO2: $88,255 – $97,667 p.a. + 12% super. Role Details Join the Department for Child Protection as a Senior Practitioner based in Blair Athol, working within the Guardianship team. In this role you will strengthen social work practice, enhance case management quality, and support the professional development of practitioners across the team. By fostering collaboration, mentoring staff, and improving service delivery, you will help achieve better outcomes for children, young people, and families. Make Your Qualification Go Further At DCP, social workers receive the highest pay in the SA Government with an exclusive 4% allowance permanently secured in the Enterprise Agreement. Combine that with up to $2,500 annual professional development support, clear pathways for advancement, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy in child protection. Why Work with DCP? We play a key role in protecting children, young people, and their families in South Australia, providing support to help vulnerable individuals be safe, strong, and connected. What We Offer Employee Wellbeing: Free annual flu vaccination, Employee Assistance Program, and other wellbeing initiatives. Career Development: Permanent roles, annual increments, up to $2,500 in professional development support, and clear career pathways. Parental & Partner Leave: Paid leave options to support you and your family. Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence. Learning & Development: Strong commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning opportunities. Essential Qualifications AHP positions are for applicants holding a Social Work qualification and eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). PO positions are open to applicants with qualifications in Community Services, Human Services, Social Sciences, Health, or other related fields. AHP Position Income & Benefits: Salary AHP2: $91,785 – $106,330 p.a. + 12% super. Exclusive Allowance: Additional 4% for child protection social workers, permanently enshrined in the Enterprise Agreement. Professional Development: $1,000 PD allowance increasing each year; reimbursement of PD expenses up to $1,500 (AHP2 level). Support: Access to free counselling and wellbeing services for you and your family. Recognition: Annual DCP Recognition Awards celebrating staff excellence. Additional Allowances Qualifications Allowance available for eligible higher qualifications relevant to the role. PO Position Salary: PO2 $88,255 – $97,667 p.a. + 12% super. In This Role, You Will Provide mentoring and professional guidance to Social Workers and Case Managers. Lead quality assurance and promote consistent case management standards. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support effective practice. Deliver coaching and learning opportunities to strengthen workforce capability. Provide expert advice on complex cases and contribute to policy and service improvements. To Be Successful You should bring a strong understanding of social work and case management principles, with the ability to apply theory to practice in complex and sensitive situations. Your experience in mentoring staff, providing professional guidance, and evaluating casework outcomes will support the continuous improvement of services within your team. You will be confident in collaborating across multidisciplinary settings and skilled at fostering professional growth in others through coaching and constructive feedback. About the Business The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in protecting children, young people, and their families within South Australia. The Guardianship team within DCP provides dedicated case management and support to children and young people under the Guardianship of the Chief Executive. Special Conditions Essential: A degree level qualification in Social Work which gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers and at least 2 years post‑graduate experience. Enquiries Mel Rowe – Business Manager, 0409 848 416 or The department values an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people from the LGBTQI+ community. Applications close: 26 November :00 PM. #J-18808-Ljbffr