Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is not only known for its relaxed lifestyle but also as a hub for social and community services. According to data from SA Health and the Department of Human Services SA, the demand for skilled Social Work professionals is steadily increasing, particularly in mental health, child support, Indigenous services, and disability support.
This means that those holding a Social Work degree and registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) have abundant career opportunities right in Adelaide.
1. SA Health – South Australian Health Department
Type: Government – Health Department
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work recognised by AASW
- Registered or eligible for AASW registration
- National Police Check & Working With Children Check
- Experience in hospital or mental health care preferred
Job Opportunities:
- Hospital Social Worker – supporting patients and families in public hospitals
- Mental Health Social Worker – working in community mental health clinics
- Senior Social Worker – supervising and training new staff
- Salary Range: AUD 88,000 – 116,000 per year
2. Department for Child Protection
Type: Government – Child Protection
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Psychology recognised by AASW
- Working With Children Check & Child Safe Environment Training mandatory
- Minimum 1 year experience in government or non-government organisation
Job Opportunities:
- Case Worker – managing cases of children and families
- Child Protection Practitioner – risk assessment and intervention
- Principal Social Worker – leadership role
- Salary Range: AUD 85,000 – 129,000 per year
3. Department of Human Services SA
Type: Government – Human Services
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work/Human Services, AASW eligible
- National Police Check
- Shift management, counselling, and crisis response skills
- Experience supporting vulnerable communities preferred
Job Opportunities:
- Child Protection Social Worker
- Case Manager – individual and family support
- Family Support Worker
- Salary Range: AUD 82,000 – 110,000 per year
4. Legal Services Commission
Type: Government – Legal Aid
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work
- AASW registration
- National Police Check
- Experience in family law or domestic violence support
Job Opportunities:
- Family Social Worker
- Court Support Worker
- Salary Range: AUD 99,000 – 116,000 per year
5. Centacare Catholic Community Services
Type: NGO, faith-based – Catholic
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work or Counselling
- AASW registration
- National Police Check & Working With Children Check
- Experience supporting youth, families, and victims of violence
Job Opportunities:
- Youth Social Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Program Coordinator
- Salary Range: AUD 79,000 – 95,000 per year
6. Minda Inc. – Disability Support Organisation
Type: NGO – Disability Services
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work recognised by AASW
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Experience with NDIS clients
Job Opportunities:
- Disability Support Social Worker
- Case Manager – Disability
- Program Officer
- Salary Range: AUD 75,000 – 92,000 per year
7. AnglicareSA / OARS Community Transitions
Type: NGO, faith-based – Lutheran
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work, AASW registered
- National Police Check
- Experience supporting homeless individuals and prisoner reintegration
Job Opportunities:
- Case Manager (Reintegration) – supporting ex-prisoners
- Housing Support Worker – assisting homeless clients
- Salary Range: AUD 97,000 – 101,000 per year
8. Neami National – Mental Health Organisation
Type: NGO – Mental Health
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work
- AASW registration
- Police Check
- Experience with vulnerable mental health clients
Job Opportunities:
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Clinical Coordinator – supervising team and service quality
- Salary Range: AUD 94,000 – 106,000 per year
9. Aboriginal Family Support Services Ltd
Type: NGO – First Nations
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Social Work
- AASW membership
- National Police Check
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture and First Nations communities
Job Opportunities:
- Kinship Carer Liaison Officer – supporting Indigenous foster families
- Community Social Worker – direct work with First Nations communities
- Salary Range: AUD 88,000 – 94,000 per year
10. Sonder / headspace – Youth & Mental Health Services
Type: NGO – Youth mental health, government-funded
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work
- AASW registration
- Police Check & Working With Children Check
- Experience supporting youth mental health
- Mental Health First Aid certificate is an advantage
Job Opportunities:
- Youth Mental Health Worker – counselling and psychological support for youth
- Multidisciplinary Social Worker – collaborating with doctors and psychologists
- Salary Range: AUD 100,000 – 110,000 per year
Why Choose Social Work in Adelaide
- Competitive Salary: Average earnings range from AUD 88,000 – 129,000 per year, with many positions offering salary packaging to optimise income.
- Diverse Opportunities: Work in government agencies or NGOs across child protection, mental health, disability support, and Indigenous services.
- Career Growth: Clear pathways for advancement; many Social Work roles are in Australia’s skilled occupation list.
- Meaningful Impact: Make a positive difference in South Australian communities while building a rewarding career.
NextGem is Here to Support You
If you’re interested in Adelaide’s top Social Work employers and want guidance on building the right study and career pathway:
NextGem can help you:
- Plan your Social Work study and career pathway in Australia.
- Access programs to enhance your skills and professional knowledge post-graduation.
- Select the right courses, certifications, and practical placements to prepare for your future career.
>> If you want a skills enhancement program to confidently pursue a career in social work and healthcare, contact NextGem today for personalised advice and tailored study pathways.
