The Department for Child Protection is committed to being a preferred placement choice for social work students, where the focus is on learning.

While we can’t guarantee employment at the end of a student placement, we invite anyone interested to apply for positions through our merit-based selection process. For all current job opportunities, refer to the Career Portal (external site).

A photo of, and quote from Jenna Miller, KAT DCP Social Worker: "The support I had, the check-ins, were really good, just to make sure that everything was on track"

Organising a student placement

The number of students seeking a placement with us is usually higher than the number of placements we are able to offer.

To ensure a fair and equitable process, university staff recommend placements, so contact the Field Education Team at your university to let them know your interest in being matched with the Department for Child Protection.

Once matched with us, our Social Work Field Education Coordinator will set up a pre-placement interview time with you.

  • This interview allows our staff to ask you some questions about what you want to achieve during your placement and to find out what you already know about us.
  • It’s also a chance for you to find out about the learning opportunities you will be given and expectations during placement.

A pre-placement interview does not guarantee a placement with us.

University Field Education Teams can contact our Social Work Field Education Coordinator with any questions about the process.

Before you start your placement

Before commencing your placement, you will need a current:

During your placement

While on placement, you need to observe the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector (external site) and departmental policies about behaviour and conduct in the workplace.

We are a statutory child protection agency, so there are some areas of work that you can’t be directly involved in. You will be given a list at the start of your placement.

You are with us however, to learn and grow as a future social worker, so we will provide you with comprehensive training to maximise your learning opportunities during placement. This includes:

  • 3 days of orientation training
  • 3 days of C3MS training (the department’s case management system)
  • 2 days Introduction to Aboriginal Cultural Awareness training

Reflection and self-evaluation are also a compulsory part of your placement. These sessions provide an opportunity for you to reflect on what you are learning as well as meet and hear from a broad range of staff.

Related information

Contact

If you have any questions about student placements, please speak with your university Field Placement Team in the first instance.