Working at DHS

Make a difference!

We’re looking for people with passion and integrity who are committed to make a difference so South Australia thrives.

Our focus is to develop and implement modern, innovative and relevant services across our entire community so all South Australians can be connected, included and safe with shared decision-making for all.

We offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment designed to equip you to deliver change in our community.

  • Help people who may be disadvantaged, marginalised or in a vulnerable situation.
  • Support people to be informed, active participants in decision-making and local solutions.
  • Increase opportunities for positive development of children and young people.
  • Pursue the full participation of women in the state’s social and economic life.
  • Engage with Aboriginal families and communities to connect them with access to meaningful services.

DHS has lead responsibility in the areas of:

  • Community Services
  • Concessions
  • Disability
  • Grants for Organisations
  • Interpreting and Translating
  • Problem Gambling
  • Screening
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Youth Justice
  • Volunteers.

Within these areas we have a number of corporate teams who support to deliver a range of services, funding and policy responsibilities for all South Australians including:

  • Administration
  • Business Improvement and Technology
  • Communications and Engagement
  • Development and Learning
  • Finance and Business Services
  • HR, Wellbeing and Safety
  • Infrastructure
  • Strategic Policy.

If you feel inspired by the following, then we want to hear from you!

Explore DHS Careers

Is your passion helping those in need? Make a difference with us!

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Hear from our staff

Hear from our staff (7 mins)

Aboriginal employment pathways

We welcome and value the professional expertise, cultural knowledge and life experience that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to the workplace and are committed to increasing the participation of Aboriginal people across all areas of our department.

Our department is focused on providing a workplace that demonstrates cultural capability, supporting Aboriginal recruitment and retention, with deep respect for cultural needs as outlined in our Aboriginal Workforce Strategy.

We have opportunities for entry level roles, professional positions, student and traineeship programs, and direct service delivery roles to work with clients. For more information about job opportunities for Aboriginal people, our Aboriginal Traineeship Program and Aboriginal workforce supports, visit the Aboriginal recruitment page.

Diverse and inclusive culture

Our staff are from diverse backgrounds, working at different levels and in a broad range of roles with various skills and experience. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community we serve, while creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for all our staff.

We have a proud history of supporting and embracing our differences and we all have a role to play to ensure our culture and daily actions promote a fair, equitable and supportive work environment for everyone.

The following support recruitment across our diverse workforce:

Financial security

We offer attractive salary packages and contribute towards a competitive superannuation scheme for our staff.

As a full-time or part-time, term or casual employee of the South Australian Government, you are also eligible to pay for certain expenses with your pre-tax income through a variety of salary sacrifice arrangements. This reduces your taxable income, meaning you may pay less tax to increase your disposable income.

Flexible working arrangements

We believe a positive work-life balance is important and that when in harmony, it can help you to stay engaged and productive. More importantly, a harmonious work-life balance can have positive health benefits and increase job satisfaction.

To support a better work-life balance, we offer access to a range of flexible work options including:

  • Part-time
  • Job share
  • Staggered hours
  • Compressed weeks
  • Hybrid working
  • Special leave with pay provisions
  • Purchased leave.

Health and wellbeing

We are committed to maintaining a work environment that supports a holistic approach to safety, health and wellbeing. Activities, tools, resources and supports are available for you to increase your knowledge and awareness of health and wellbeing issues and implementing healthy lifestyle choices relating to physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Initiatives available include:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Domestic and family violence support
  • Mental health resources and services
  • Corporate health insurance.

Learning and development

We value people who have a curiosity, passion and desire for continuous improvement, learning and professional development. We want to help you meet your ambitions and shape your pathway to success. You will be provided with a range of activities, tools and resources, including an online learning platform and training courses, with access to or support for formal studies and qualifications, as well as mentoring, secondments and promotional opportunities to progress your career.

Recognition

We are committed to ensuring our staff have an environment in which they are valued and where excellence and outstanding performance is recognised.

With initiatives such as our Chief Executive Awards, we support and encourage actions that recognise the outstanding efforts and achievements of our staff. We like to regularly acknowledge excellence in areas such as customer service, collaboration and innovation, and celebrate those who inspire others to achieve high standards in their work or go above and beyond to deliver positive outcomes for the people we support.

Page last updated 13 July 2023