Full job description
Department for Education
Job reference: 617+67
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
Why work with DfE:
Every child and young person deserves a great education.
We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents, and the wider South Australian community will build a world-leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing.
Together we will make our education system the best it can be.
When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.
About the Team:
The Engagement and Wellbeing Directorate provides evidence-based and inclusive policies, tools, guidelines, strategies, and advice to support education and care settings, foster effective learner participation and engagement for improved learning and wellbeing outcomes.
The directorate collaborates across the department and with other jurisdictions, agencies and sectors to address issues related to behaviour, bullying prevention, child protection, drugs and alcohol, food and nutrition, gender diversity, mental health and wellbeing, trauma approaches and violence prevention through strategic solutions. The directorate also leads volunteering work and provides specific programs such as the School Retention Program and National Student Wellbeing Program. The directorate provides timely and specialised advice to senior leadership to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people.
About the Role:
The Senior Policy Officer is located in the Mental Health and Wellbeing team and provides statewide leadership, expertise and policy advice based on evidence informed practice related to promoting and safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. The Senior Policy Officer, Mental Health and Wellbeing will have a comprehensive understanding of the individual, family and system factors that impact on engagement, learning and wellbeing of children and young people in education settings. This includes knowledge of the relevant policies and procedures within the department, relevant legislation and effective early intervention strategies, practices and programs for children and young people. The subject area may change over time depending on Directorate and project priorities.
Why work with us:
By joining our team, you will:
Be part of a supportive and collaborative team environment.
Access professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
Together, we can work towards building a stronger future for all students in South Australia.
Desirable qualifications:
A tertiary qualification in one or more of the following fields: education, psychology, social work, law or other relevant behavioural/social science or equivalent relevant experience.
Special Conditions:
The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years.
For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.
Remuneration:
ASO8 $121,107 - $125,67+ per annum (1.0 FTE), plus superannuation.
Enquiries:
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Jade Lock, Senior Adviser, Mental Health and Wellbeing, via Tel: (08) 8226 2115 or Email:
[email protected] .
Application Instructions:
Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.
Applicants are required to submit:
CV
Application Cover Sheet
Employment Declaration with accompanying requested certificates
A cover letter of no more than 1500 words addressing the key competencies in the attached position description.
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Note:
This is a full-time contract role (1.0 FTE), initial 1 year contract with possibility of extension.
Applications close: 15/0+/2026 11:30 PM
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