The Opportunity

• Are you passionate about safeguarding the human rights of some of the most vulnerable people in our community?
• Do you like the idea of applying your clinical experience to contribute to the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices for people with disability?
• Do you enjoy thinking strategically and collaborating with a dynamic team to achieve better outcomes for the WA community?
• Do you enjoy diversity in work activities?

Then please apply to join us as a Senior Behaviour Support Consultant in the Behaviour Support Consultancy Team.

Working with the Department of Communities can be both personally and professionally rewarding whether you are working in a front-line role or a corporate role. All our staff contribute to achieving our common goals, which make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in our communities.

The Behaviour Support Consultancy Team is an interdisciplinary team of professional staff that operates within the Regulation and Quality area of Department of Communities.

The team provides education and guidance regarding implementation of the Authorisation of Restrictive Practices in Funded Disability Services Policy.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of significant service developments to safeguard the human rights of people with disability.

As part of the Behaviour Support Consultancy Team, you will join a workplace culture focused on professional growth and development, respecting and valuing different viewpoints and the ability to contribute to and benefit from a vast and expanding knowledge bank of expertise. The team embraces collaborative practice that extends into the broader regulation and quality community and beyond.

Priority focus areas of the team include:

• Development and implementation of education tailored to distinct audiences, including disability providers, behaviour support practitioners, people with disability and their families, Communities staff and other government agencies. This includes online and face to face seminars, workshops and written guidelines and other information.
• Consultative support regarding best practice approaches in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) within the context of Policy implementation.
• Development of resources and processes to facilitate Policy oversight, including engaging in active research.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Craig McIver, Consultant Psychologist, on +61 8 6277 5473 or via email Craig.McIver@communities.wa.gov.au. 

Our Offer

There are currently two (2) full-time fixed-term positions available for immediate appointment, with the potential for permanent appointment.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (fixed term or permanent) that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities. 

Communities offers you career progression, variety, access to comprehensive learning and development, and great employment conditions. Some of these benefits may include:

• 4 weeks annual leave, 3 days additional public sector holidays, 15 days personal leave per annum
• 18 weeks paid parental leave
• A competitive and attractive salary, plus 11.5% superannuation, full employer contribution
• Discount on private health insurance
• Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance
• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service
• Eligibility to join the fitness passport program
• A commitment to personal growth, professional development and supervision, with access to training opportunities within and externally to Communities
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• 10 days disability leave for employees to attended appointment or activities associated with a diagnosed disability
• 5 days reproductive health leave for employees to attend appointments or treatments related reproductive health
• Salary packaging on a range of items.

Qualification Requirements

You cannot be considered for this position unless you have a completed tertiary degree or qualification approved equivalent in one of the following:

• Master’s Degree qualification in Psychology AND eligible for 'General Registration' on the register of Psychologists with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Tertiary Degree qualification in Social Work AND eligible for ‘Ordinary Membership’ with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Tertiary Degree qualification in Speech Pathology AND eligible for 'Practising Membership' with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).
• Tertiary Degree qualification in Occupational Therapy or equivalent qualification approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia AND eligible 'General Registration' on the register of Occupational Therapists' with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Tertiary Degree in a relevant Human Services discipline.

NOTE: If you have a relevant Human Services tertiary qualification, please supply your academic transcript. Unit outlines/descriptions may be requested by the panel to determine relevancy of the degree to the role.

All overseas qualifications must be assessed for Australian equivalency. Each qualification must be assessed individually, and the assessment must confirm the equivalent Australian qualification level (i.e. equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters degree). This assessment can be conducted by Overseas Qualification Unit or AASW, and the outcome evidence provided at the time of applying.

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 (2) page written application addressing 1, 2, 3 and 4 essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF:
• (Selection Criteria 1) A Tertiary Degree or qualification approved equivalent (as specified above on the Qualification Requirements Section)
• (Selection Criteria 2) Significant experience in the area of human service delivery, including knowledge of individual, family and carer support needs and how they can be met.
• (Selection Criteria 3) Experience in working in a multidisciplinary Team setting as well as working in partnership with the Disability Sector and a broad range of stakeholders.
• (Selection Criteria 4) Sound understanding and applied experience in the use of Positive Behaviour Support.
3. A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
4. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Erin Cronan, HR Advisor on 0411 570 041 via email Erin.Cronan@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

The Department of Communities embraces diversity and firmly believes that the best services come from a workplace, where varied viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged every day. We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce, where we encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth.

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

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