Role Details
The Child Wellbeing Program (CWP) is a pre-statutory targeted program aimed at assisting Department for Education (EDU) staff to quickly identify children and families who are vulnerable and in need, and then to engage them with timely and appropriate services that will result in fewer families reaching the level of concern that requires a statutory child protection response. The CWP is based within EDU sites, which enhances the program’s ability to engage with families in a setting or culture that is generally perceived by families to be accepting and positive.

Key outcomes and accountabilities:

• Develop and participate in local, regional and state-wide networks with a broad range of government and non-government agencies, including engaging with key agencies to identify service gaps and vulnerable populations, and implementing joint solutions as a community response to child safety and wellbeing matters;
  o Build relationships so that there is increased capacity to respond to identified family needs and to provide a range of options to achieve outcomes of safety, security and care of children, young people and their families.
  o Build and maintain effective partnerships to promote joint planning to improve outcomes for vulnerable or at-risk children, young people and families.
  o Understand the range of connected services provided by the department and their relevance to clients.
• Provide consultation on complex, contentious and highly sensitive cases to maintain compliance with legislative requirements and related government and departmental policies and procedures:
  o Provide a consultancy service to EDU staff regarding statutory child protection, including at times taking a lead role in liaising with EDU staff and other agencies to risk manage issues, while also engaging with staff to increase their capability and capacity to respond to child and family needs.
  o Enable the full range of evidence-based intervention methodologies to be used, reinforce professional ethics and standards in decisions making, and provide professional supervision and reflective practice to the Child Wellbeing Practitioners.
  o Utilise critical and sensitive information for guiding EDU staff and key stakeholders. Consult with relevant EDU staff as part of case management to maintain provision of appropriate services to children and families.
• Identify areas where family support is required and discuss situation or concerns with key EDU staff. Then lead or co-work the delivery of supportive diversionary responses to families identified as at risk, and where appropriate undertake home visits including proposing creative and workable alternatives to improve services to culturally and linguistically diverse clients and those clients identified as vulnerable or at risk. Oversee the provision of services that enhance outcomes for clients of the agency and in particular improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.
• With the Program Manager, develop protocols/policies for inter-agency collaboration and referral processes. Review and adapt local processes and practices in accordance with emerging service needs. Develop services that are relevant, culturally appropriate and accessible to all client groups. Develop local sustainable structures that actively support consumer participation.
• Integrate contemporary information and research evidence with practice experience to support decision making, innovative thinking and objective analysis.
• Provide professional leadership, development and supervision to a specialist team in the development of operational program objectives and goals.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment by taking personal accountability by identifying and reporting incidents, hazards and injuries in accordance with DHS policy and procedure and cooperating and complying with reasonable instructions of the department line management and Work Health and Safety Officers.

Note: Any other responsibilities in line with the classification level of the role as assigned by Line Manager and/or the Department. The responsibilities as specified above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role.

Special Conditions

• National Police Check required.
• Employment-related Screening Check required.
• Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.
• Must hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence (equivalent to minimum class C).
• Covid -19 – will be required to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination status prior to engagement with DHS, unless it would be medically unsafe for the employee to do so.
• Role Status: Ongoing.

Essential Qualifications:

• An appropriate Social Work qualification from a recognised tertiary institution giving eligibility for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers.
• An appropriate degree or equivalent qualification and general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Registration must be obtained prior to commencement in position.

About the Business
Community and Family Services supports vulnerable people and families to participate in social and economic life and build stronger communities. This division comprises three key areas:

Safer Family Services (SFS) provides a wide range of intensive family support services to children, young people and families experiencing a high risk of statutory intervention from the child protection or youth justice systems. Services also include family support, community development and parenting and youth programs.

The Office for Women works across government and the community towards achieving gender equity and positive change for women in South Australia by developing policy and advising on issues affecting women to improve their safety, wellbeing and economic security. The office also oversees the Women’s Information Service to support women over the phone, online and in person, as well as regional safety hubs across the state.

Communities and Justice works towards building community safety and wellbeing by providing support and services to children, young people and families in the youth justice system, building the capacity of communities through community development projects and working in partnership with the community services sector to respond to people with complex and exceptional needs.

Contact Us
Enquiries to Vanessa Kolarz, 0466 936 720 Email: [email protected]

Application Instructions
Resume and Cover Letter
You are required to submit a cover letter, up to a maximum of two pages, addressing how your skills and experience align with the role specific capabilities and attach your current resume via the online application form. For more information about applying, refer to our Job Application Guide

Screening Checks
If you are new to the department and are invited to an interview, you will be required to produce a National Police Check, which has been issued within six months of your application for the role. National Police Checks can be applied for via the South Australia Police or through an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission accredited body.

If the role you are applying for also requires an Employment-related Screening Check, you will be required to undergo such assessment as is advised by DHS, including periodic assessment during your employment.

DHS is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equitable services to all South Australians. This ensures that all people feel welcome to work with us and access our services, including people identifying as Aboriginal, living with disability, LGBTIQA+, youth, mature age, and from different ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural backgrounds.