Open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only

Division: Department for Child Protection

Location: Whyalla

Salary Range: $73,710 - $89,981

Classification: AHP1

Engagement Type: Term

Closing Date: 12 Oct 2026 11:00 PM

Role Highlights

Full-time temporary vacancy available until 5 November 2027

Use your cultural knowledge to inform your work and improve services

Child Protection Allowance in addition to annual salary.

This position is only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent pursuant to Section 56 (2) of the Equal Opportunity Act, 1984.

OurWhyalla officeis seeking anAboriginal Family Practitionerto join the team and work alongside Aboriginal children, families and communities to promote child safety and culturally responsive practice. You will manage cases, co-work on child protection assessments and connect families with culturally appropriate support.

This role provides the prospect to contribute to better outcomes for Aboriginal children and families by bringing cultural knowledge into child protection work. You can help ensure services are respectful, relevant and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal families.

With on-the-job training and support from colleagues, you’ll develop your skills and confidence in the role, while being encouraged to learn and grow in your practice. To find out more about working in the region, visit working with us in regional South Australia .

In this role, you will:

- Respond to child protection notifications, assess risk and review decisions as new information emerges
- Work with families to identify concerns, strengths and pathways to support
- Connect families with community services that address their needs
- Develop trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities and key stakeholders
- Share culturally informed advice and contribute to responsive service delivery.

About you:





- You establish and maintain strong community networks and partnerships
- You understand culturally sensitive child protection practice within a statutory environment
- You manage competing priorities and organise your work effectively
- You use sound judgement to solve problems and develop practical solutions
- You bring knowledge of child development, counselling and crisis intervention.

We welcome applications from people who want to put culture, family and community at the centre of their work.

- A degree level qualification inSocial Workwhich gives eligibility for full membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

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).

Salary and benefits:
AHP1: $73,710 - $89,981 + 12% super
+4% child protection allowance
+Regional financial incentive
+Professional Development Allowance
+QualificationAllowance may applyif you hold anadditionalqualificationrelevant to the role.

What’sin it for you – Perks That Matter:
At DCP,these are just some of the benefitsyou’llenjoy:

- 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 –additionalpaid time to support you and your growing family
- 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 flu vaccination 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.

For the purpose of this advertisement and links provided, the term Aboriginal is used to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within South Australia. This is not intended to exclude Torres Strait Islander people, or people that identify as being of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

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 Kasia Granek-Dennis - Manager

Contact Us

Enquiries to Kasia Granek-Dennis - Manager (08) 8648 8911 [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, secure, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 ABORIGINAL FAMILY PRACTITIONER (Whyalla)
🏢 Child Protection
📍 Whyalla