More Than Just a Job!

At Communities we play a vital role in supporting and strengthening communities across Western Australia. We provide services and work with our partners to keep children safe, provide vital community services, including in emergencies, address homelessness, prevent family and domestic violence and provide stewardship for the disability sector. Our work also includes regulating early childhood education and care and leading initiatives across women’s interests, youth, seniors and ageing, carers, and volunteering.

Why Work With Us?

• We offer some of the most competitive public sector wages in Australia.
• We are a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program.
• Flexible work options – flexi leave, banked leave and public service holidays.
• More for your future – 12 per cent employer super contributions.
• Smart salary packaging – novated leases & work laptops.

Read more about the benefits of working with us.

Your Role. Your Impact.

The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, community initiatives and regional services reform.

As a Child Safety Practitioner or Child Safety Officer you will work in the areas of child protection, children in care and family support, you will be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Responding to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children in accordance with provisions of the Children and Community Service Act 2004.
• Taking legal action to promote the safety and wellbeing of children where necessary.
• Providing services to children placed in the care of the CEO.
• Assisting identified families and their children with relevant Agencies and community resources to ensure appropriate supports are in place.
• Engaging and working alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety to their members in ways that are sustainable, will build resilience in children, families and the community and increase social wellbeing.

Visit Careers at Communities – our roles for more information.

We believe all our people are leaders, regardless of their role. Our Leadership Expectations, outlined in Building Leadership Impact, describe the behaviours and mindsets we value. The leadership context for this position is Personal Leadership.

If you’d like to know more about the team or the role, connect with Monique Stephen, Assistant District Director, on 0448 131 391 or via email Monique.Stephen@communities.wa.gov.au.

For more details, please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Opportunities Available

• Recruitment Pool: This recruitment pool may be used to fill various fixed term or permanent, full-time and part-time positions arising within the next 12 months.

Applicants will be considered for vacancies in the location of the advertised role/location preferences specified in their application

The Benefits
In return for your skills, passion, and commitment we will offer you a challenging job, a safe and healthy working environment, and a range of benefits (subject to eligibility) including:

• Access to Government Regional Officer (GROH) accommodation may be available
• Commuted Time off in Lieu (TOIL)
• Additional 3 Days Public Service Leave per annum
• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service
• 18 weeks paid parental leave
• 10 days Disability Leave
• 5 days Reproductive Health Leave
• Discount on private health insurance
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations
• Access to free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for you and your family
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• Working for a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program.

Which position do I apply for?

Under our Child Protection Workforce Model, priority will be given to qualified applicants in the first instance to maintain a qualified workforce.

If you have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant human services area, please apply for the Child Safety Practitioner (CSQ 1) position. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements for this role, and how we will be assessing your qualifications.

Skills/experience required for the Child Safety Practitioner position include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Child Protection and approaches to enhance child safety and wellbeing.
• Knowledge of or experience in engagement, assessment and intervention with parents, children and families.
• Demonstrated resilience and ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated skills in analysis and intervention planning.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues effecting Aboriginal and culturally diverse people.
• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology or a relevant Human Service area.

If you do not hold an approved qualification, please apply for the Child Safety Officer (CSU 2) position.

Skills/experience required for the Child Safety Officer position include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of child protection and approaches to enhance child safety and wellbeing.
• Ability to engage, empower and build effective working relationships with a diverse range of clients, stakeholders, partners and colleagues.
• Demonstrated resilience and ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities.
• Demonstrated assessment and analytical skills, as well as strong communication skills (written, verbal and non-verbal).
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues effecting Aboriginal and culturally diverse people.

How to Apply – It’s Easy

Select “Apply for Job” and upload the following documents (Word or PDF only):

1. Your current resume/CV.
2. A short written statement up to [2] pages addressing all the Essential Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF. Please ensure you reference the correct JDF when applying (refer to 'Which position do I apply for?' section above).
3. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
4. An application form (for hard copy applications only).
5. If applying for the Child Safety Practitioner role: A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable)

Applicants will be assessed on their ability to meet the following Suitability Requirements:

• Personal Attributes:
  -1. Demonstrated integrity, accountability and professionalism consistent with Communities Values, the Communities Code of Conduct and the WA Public Sector Code of Ethics.
  -2. Demonstrated respectful, collaborative and inclusive behaviours when working with children, families, colleagues, Aboriginal communities and partner agencies.
  -3. Demonstrated self-awareness, adaptability and commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice

The Suitability Requirements may be assessed at any stage of the recruitment process, which may include interview, referee reports and/or other assessment methods.

Appointment is subject to meeting all Suitability Requirements.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Communities is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position.  Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor at HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au and via phone 0435 047 287.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Integrity and Honesty

In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. To read more, click here.  

Need Assistance?

If you would like to discuss:

• adjustments,
• alternative formats,
• recruitment enquiries or,
• technical issues

Contact: Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor at HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au  or on 0435 047 287.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers

National Relay Service:
TTY/Voice: 133 677
Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727
SMS Relay: 0423 677 767

Privacy Notice
Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act). By submitting your application, you acknowledge the collection of your personal information. For further details on how your information is handled, please view our Privacy Policy.

Please note: This recruitment process may be closed or withdrawn at any stage. Applicants will be notified if this occurs.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.