Policy Officer - Engagement and Wellbeing

Department for Education

Job reference: 846373

Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE

Job status: Short Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us

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 Role

The Engagement and Wellbeing Directorate provides statewide policy direction, reform and advice regarding the engagement and wellbeing of children and young people in care and education.

The Policy Officer provides leadership, expertise and policy advice based on evidence and best practice around issues related to attendance, behaviour, bullying prevention, mental health and wellbeing, inclusion, volunteering, safeguarding children and trauma informed practice, school retention for children in care and healthy eating. The officer 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.

The Policy Officer works within a project team to lead the research, analysis, formulation, development, implementation and evaluation of processes, tools and resources for a range of stakeholders across the Department for Education. Positive and purposeful stakeholder engagement both within and outside the department will be an important aspect of this role and knowledge of interagency services and responses will be required.

Qualifications

Essential: Nil.

Desirable: An appropriate tertiary qualification in one or more of the following fields: education, public policy, law, psychology, social work, or other relevant behavioural/social science.

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

ASO7 $112,163 - 121,246 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%) and leave loading

Enquiries

Enquiries can be directed to Kirsty Lowe, Manager, Behaviour Policy & Programs, via tel: (08) 8226 2130 or email: ***email_hidden***.

Application instructions

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants are required to submit a CV, the Application Cover Sheet, Employment Declaration, and a cover letter of no more than two pages 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), up to 22 January 2027, term contract.

Applications close: 17/06/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments

• Application Cover Sheet - PSAct..pdf
• How to Apply PS Act guidelines.pdf
• Postion Description- AS07 Policy Officer.pdf
• VL233 Pre-employment declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.