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

Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program. The program defines best practice standards by creating a carer friendly workplace, enabling staff to balance work and care, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.

What is Statewide Referral and Response Service (SRRS)?

SRRS is the first point of contact for Child Protection referrals for the community and professionals in Western Australia (WA). SRRS receives and assesses all new referrals of concern for a child to the Department and respond to these referrals through various teams including the Central Intake Team, Crisis Care Unit, Mandatory Reporting Service, the Family & Domestic Violence Helpline, and Interstate Liaison.

SRSS is the largest District in the Department of Communities, and it operates 24 hours a day at a centrally located office in Perth.

Senior Child Safety Practitioners (SCSP) at SRRS enjoy:

• Unique exposure to a range of first responders to Child Protection referrals and opportunity to engage and work alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety to their members in ways that are sustainable, builds resilience and ultimately increases social wellbeing.

• At SRRS, both shift and non-shift options are available.

• SRRS is a dynamic District that continues to expand its operation and because of it SRRS provides CSPs with significant career development, opportunities and permanency, including within the various teams in this District.

Positions available across 3 teams, please ensure you state on your application which team you’re applying for;

1. Central Intake Team (non-shift)

Our dynamic Central Intake Team is a frontline of Child Protection in WA, where all referrals of child protection concerns from across the state are received and assessed. This fast-paced role involves assessing referrals, primarily through phone and email contact. Senior Child Safety Practitioners gather information from families and key professionals to determine appropriate outcomes.

While this role differs from district-based positions with minimal face-to-face contact and no ongoing case management, it requires strong assessment, analytical, and intervention skills. We're seeking individuals with a proven ability to work within a compliance and legislative framework, who can build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders and who have experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Teamwork, leadership, and a commitment to quality practice, including counselling and therapeutic interventions, are essential.

1. Crisis Care Unit (shift)

The Crisis Care unit is the Department's after hours service and operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. As a Senior Child Safety Practitioner in the Crisis Care Unit you will primarily work in the afterhours service providing crisis intervention and assessment to families across the state. Some of the responsibilities are:

• 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
  • Ultimately increases social wellbeing.

Shift penalties associated with these positions are in line with the Industry Award.

Penalties eligible include:

• Afternoon Shift allowance on shifts commencing from noon (15%)
• Night shift allowance on shifts commencing after 6pm (20%)
• Saturday (time and a half)
• Sunday (time and three quarters)
• Public holidays (double time and a half)

Shifts include:

• C7 (7am – 5pm)
• C12 (12pm – 10pm)
• C15 (3pm – 1am)
• CN (9pm – 7am)

1. Interstate Liaison (non-shift)

As the SCSP in the Interstate Liaison role, you will be working alongside the Senior Practice Development Officer and be responsible for managing coordination and response to child protection concerns including:

• Interstate alerts and notifications.
• Information requests, e.g. child protection checks and Services Australia requests.
• Assessment requests.
• Casework assistance requests.
• Placement requests.
• Order transfer requests.
• Transfer of proceedings requests; and
• Interstate warrants

You will support the ILO in providing advice, consultancy and assistance on complex child protection and casework practice matters as they relate to inter-jurisdictional issues outlined in the Interstate Child Protection Protocol (2021) (the Protocol), departmental policies and the provisions of the Children and Community Services Act 2004. You will be required to engage with internal and external stakeholders and provide case work staff with assistance in order to promote the best interests and wellbeing of children.

You will facilitate timely processes in line with the Protocol with support from the ILO and will work with other jurisdictions in a collaborative and cooperative manner to support the provision of care and protection services. Please refer to the attachments to familiarise yourself with the Protocol.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Emma Brown, Assistant District Director, on (08) 9460 8581 or email Emma.Brown2@communities.wa.gov.au.

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. 

Qualification Requirements
You must have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology, or relevant human services area to be eligible for this position. All overseas qualifications must be assessed for Australian equivalency. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements for this role, and how we will be assessing your qualifications.

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 all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
3. A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
4. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
5. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

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 or 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 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 Erin Cronan, HR Advisor.

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.