Bring your expertise to work that supports safe, consistent care arrangements for children and young people.

1. Multiple full-time temporary vacancies available until 25 June 2027
2. Use your skills to influence decisions that matter for children in care
3. Child Protection Allowance in addition to annual salary.

Role Status: Multiple full-time temporary vacancies available until 25 June 2027

Remuneration: AHP2 ($94,997 - $110,052) / PO2 ($94,769 - $109,787) +12% super

Our Out of Home Care directorate has multiple opportunities available for Senior Social Workers or Senior Professional Officers to work as Senior Approval and Review Officers. Based in the Adelaide CBD, you will play a key role in strengthening the quality of carer approval and review processes.

This is an opportunity to be part of work that helps create safe and stable care arrangements and better experiences for children and young people. You will contribute to decisions that shape their care journey and the support they receive.

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

Essential Qualification:

1. 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)
2. 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 possess the essential qualification, may apply for and be engaged/assigned to the role of Social Worker. They will also be entitled to apply for any Allied Health Professional roles requiring a qualification in Social Work within the Department for Child Protection (DCP).

You will be responsible for:

1. Assessing carer applications and applying professional judgement to make informed approval recommendations
2.



Monitoring carer approvals and working with agencies to support timely reviews and evaluations
3. Analysing information from multiple sources to inform decisions about carer suitability
4. Maintaining quality standards across carer assessment, approval and review processes
5. Building collaborative relationships with stakeholders while promoting culturally responsive practice.

About you:

1. You apply sound judgement to evaluate information, assess risk and provide recommendations that support quality carer approvals
2. You have experience preparing explicit assessments, reports and briefings to support sound decision-making
3. You can interpret complex information and communicate recommendations with a range of stakeholders
4. You identify opportunities to improve processes and strengthen carer approval and review practices
5. You apply culturally responsive approaches and promote safe, inclusive services for culturally diverse communities.

If you’re driven by improving outcomes for children and young people in care and helping ensure they receive the support they need, we encourage you to apply.

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:

1. A collaborative team environment,



working alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact
2. Flexible working options with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life
3. Paid Parental and Partner Leave – additional paid time to support you and your growing family
4. Recognition and Growth – we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP
5. Salary Packaging – reduce your taxable income with a range of pre-tax benefits
6. 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
7. Wellbeing Support - confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

See our full list of benefits.

About DCP

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.

Special Conditions:

1. You must have a current Working With Children Check
2. Some out of hours and weekend work may be required.

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?

Contact Craig Rainsford – Supervisor for a confidential discussion

Via tel: 0427 363 627 or email: [email protected].

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.

To apply for this role, please click on the apply button to be redirected to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications close: 23 August 2026, 11:00 PM

📌 Senior Approval and Review Officer (Adelaide)
🏢 Department For Child Protection
📍 Adelaide