This vacancy is being advertised for a period of 4 weeks, from 17 July 2026, closing on 17 August 2026 at 4pm (AWST).

The Role
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.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Rachael Collins, Assistant District Director, on (08) 6277 4141 or via email Rachael.Collins@communities.wa.gov.au.

The Opportunity
The following position is available for immediate filling:

• 008270 – Child Safety Practitioner - Merredin – Permanent, full time (Child Safety Qualified Stream Level 1, $94,000 - $116,000 pa pro rata + Super - (DOC) CPCSA 2024)

The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of contract employment with the possibility of extension and/or conversion to permanency, and/or offers of permanent employment in other Child Safety Practitioner, Child Safety Officer, or similar roles, that arise in Merredin, Moora, Northam or Narrogin.

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.

Join the Department of Communities
Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below) and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A two - three [2 – 3] page written application 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).

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor, on 0478 853 062 or via email HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

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

TTY/voice calls - 133 677
Speak & Listen - 1300 555 727
SMS relay - 0423 677 767

Integrity and Honesty
The public sector is built on a strong foundation of integrity where employees act ethically, and public sector bodies promote and maintain integrity. 

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

Equity and Diversity
Communities welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor at HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au and via phone 0478 853 062.

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

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