Inside the Department of Social Services: Your 60-Second Guide to a Fulfilling Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of Social Services (DSS)? We’ve done the heavy lifting by dissecting their latest annual report—so you don’t have to! Below, you’ll find an easy-to-read overview covering DSS’s major responsibilities and funding, along with the skills and qualifications that can set you apart when applying. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or fresh out of school, this guide shows why DSS might just be your next big career move.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department: Department of Social Services (DSS)
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, with offices across Australia
CEO (Secretary): Ray Griggs AO CSC
Total Revenue (2023–24): $172.66 billion
Total Number of Employees: 3,404 (as at 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO DSS
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Business / Commerce – Ideal for managing funding, contracts, and financial stewardship.
Law / Legal Studies – Essential for navigating complex legislation and policy.
Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Social Work) – Helps in designing programs that support vulnerable Australians.
Information Technology / Data Analytics – Strengthens data-driven policymaking and service delivery.
Communications / Public Relations – Facilitates effective engagement with stakeholders and the public.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) – Keeps large-scale initiatives running on time and under budget.
Government Procurement and Contract Management – Ensures efficient governance and supplier relationships.
Financial Management (e.g., CPA) – Maintains budgeting integrity in a big-spending department.
Policy Development / Analysis – Elevates evidence-based decisions on critical social programs.
Risk Management / Compliance – Protects departmental interests and reduces project risk.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Administration and Clerical – Provides crucial support for everyday operations.
IT Support / Technicians – Maintains and improves digital infrastructure.
Community Services Professionals – Drives program success through direct engagement.
Project Officers – Handles the details of complex, multifaceted projects.
Finance Officers / Bookkeepers – Oversees departmental transactions and ensures fiscal responsibility.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Analytical Thinking – Interprets data and tracks policy impacts.
Communication – Explains policy nuances to colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.
Collaboration – Works seamlessly across diverse teams and agencies.
Organisational Ability – Manages multiple programs and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Customer Service – Builds trust with community members and service users.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Public Policy or Government Administration – Adapts prior knowledge of legislation and compliance frameworks.
Financial or Budgeting Roles – Leverages numerical expertise to manage Australia’s largest social outlays.
Community or Social Work – Brings real-world insights into policy design and service delivery.
Project Coordination – Keeps complex initiatives aligned and on track.
Client Service Roles – Develops empathy and responsiveness to community needs.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of Social Services (DSS)
Name of CEO (Secretary): Ray Griggs AO CSC
Location: Canberra Headquarters, plus offices nationwide
Year Founded: 2013 (in its current form)
Main Mission and Purpose: To enhance the social and economic wellbeing of individuals and families across Australia. Real-world example: Through payments such as the Age Pension, Carer Payment, and Family Tax Benefits, DSS makes a tangible difference in the lives of millions of Australians every day.
Main Duties of the Department: Administering social security payments, shaping welfare policies, and funding community initiatives. Real-world example: Programs like Disability Employment Services (DES) and Paid Parental Leave exemplify DSS’s focus on meaningful support.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Modernising Social Security – Adapting welfare payments for changing economic conditions.
Housing & Homelessness Support – A large focus, with over $64.55 million spent in 2023–24 on homelessness services alone .
Disability Reforms & NDIS – Allocating $32.31 billion to the National Disability Insurance Agency in 2023–24 to improve participant support .
Did You Know? DSS oversaw $136.96 billion in personal benefit payments in 2023–24, including pensions and family benefits —a cornerstone of Australia’s social safety net.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 3,404
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
SES 3: 5
SES 2: 19
SES 1: 63
Executive Level 2: 396
Executive Level 1: 940
APS 6: 888
APS 5: 766
APS 4: 251
APS 3: 66
APS 2: 6
APS 1: 4
Salary Bands:
APS 1: $52,165 – $57,626
APS 2: $60,185 – $66,972
APS 3: $69,553 – $78,468
APS 4: $78,801 – $84,700
APS 5: $86,542 – $92,420
APS 6: $94,791 – $115,254
EL 1: $118,106 – $148,030
EL 2: $139,205 – $235,665
SES 1: $219,082 – $265,280
SES 2: $292,180 – $333,884
SES 3: $395,021 – $412,498
Average Salary in the Department: Not publicly stated in the annual report
Total Revenue (2023–24): $172.66 billion
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately $50.7 million
GETTING A JOB AT DSS
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Community Services, Business Administration, Project Assistance
Lays the groundwork for practical, operational support in program delivery.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Economics, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Law, Psychology
Equips you with solid theoretical and analytical skills to guide policy and programs.
PhDs:
Social Sciences, Behavioural Economics, Public Health Research
Elevates research capabilities to shape and evaluate large-scale social initiatives.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
IT, Finance, Project Management, Community Engagement, Administration—the backbone of DSS operations, supporting complex and wide-reaching service delivery.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Policy Development, Community Outreach, Government Administration, Financial Services, and Contract Management—these experiences can be readily applied to DSS’s broad portfolio of programs.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft skills: Empathy, adaptability, communication, teamwork, problem-solving
Technical skills: Data analysis, budgeting, policy drafting, IT systems, research methods
General skills: Critical thinking, report writing, stakeholder engagement
Which Hobbies and Interests Align With the Work of DSS?
Volunteer Work, Community Sports, Mentoring, Social Advocacy, and Events Planning—they reflect a community-focused mindset and strong organisational skills, both of which are prized by DSS.
Want More Information on This Department?
Contact the Department:
Address: GPO Box 9820, Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: 1300 653 227 or +61 2 6146 0001 (international)
Email: annual.report@dss.gov.au
Website: dss.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.