Are you ready to step into a role where culture leads practice and your leadership changes lives?

The Department of Communities is seeking an experienced Aboriginal Practice Leader to provide cultural leadership, practice guidance and strategic advice that supports high quality services for Aboriginal children and families. In this influential role, you will work alongside district leadership, practitioners, community partners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to ensure culture remains at the centre of decision-making and service delivery.

Bring your cultural knowledge, leadership and passion to Geraldton.

Aboriginality is a genuine requirement for this position as defined under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

The Opportunity

The Department is committed to providing culturally safe services to Aboriginal people and to embed a ‘culture at the heart’ approach, which seeks to empower Aboriginal individuals, families and communities across the state.

As an Aboriginal Practice Leader, you will be responsible for leading consistent and high standards of services to Aboriginal children, young people and families. Some of your responsibilities will be:

• Provide high level advice to District Directors and Leadership team on issues relating to Aboriginal services.
• Facilitate and support the implementation of the Aboriginal Employment and Learning Strategy.
• Contribute to duty/intake discussion and assessment and on-going case-management relating to Aboriginal children and their families.
• Establish and implement mechanisms that enable monitoring of Aboriginal children in care.
• Develop and implement cultural learning strategies that assist the District in providing high level services to Aboriginal families.
• Mentor, coach and support staff to strengthen cultural capability.
• Strengthen connections between Communities, Aboriginal families, local stakeholders and community organisations.

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

This position is a Leading Others Leader. This means that you will lead by enabling, supporting and influencing others to deliver high quality work that contributes to Department goals and objectives. This can include but is not limited to working and leading in culturally informed ways, building relationships up, down and across the agency and or external, and able to communicate complicated matters to a variety of stakeholders with clarity and conviction, as well as the ability to use your knowledge and expertise to influence others.

The successful candidate should demonstrate the expected behaviours related to this context when undertaking their role.  A candidate’s ability to display these mindsets and expected behaviours will be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.

The successful applicant should also demonstrate an appropriate level of cultural competence (as defined by the Aboriginal Cultural Framework) relevant to the APL role

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Candi Mongoo, Aboriginal District Lead, on (08) 6277 5151 

There is currently 1 permanent position for immediate filling.

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

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 and 4 of the Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
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).

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 via email on 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

Why Live and Work in Geraldton?

Enjoy a career with purpose while embracing one of Western Australia's most vibrant coastal communities.

Geraldton offers an enviable lifestyle where stunning natural beauty, rich Aboriginal heritage and a strong sense of community come together. Whether you're looking for a sea change, a family-friendly community or an opportunity to reconnect with Country, Geraldton provides the perfect balance of professional impact and personal wellbeing.

When you're not making a difference in the lives of children and families, you can:

• Explore beautiful beaches, coastal trails and outdoor adventures right on your doorstep.
• Experience the rich culture and history of the Mid West, including connections to the region's strong Aboriginal heritage
• Discover world-renowned natural attractions, including the Abrolhos Islands, wildflower displays and spectacular coastal landscapes.
• Enjoy a welcoming regional community with excellent cafés, arts, cultural experiences and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Benefit from the convenience of a major regional centre while enjoying a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Make the move to Geraldton and enjoy the opportunity to build a rewarding career while living in a community that values connection, culture and lifestyle.

Further information about Geraldton click here

The Benefits
Working in the Midwest offers an attractive salary and a range of other benefits including:

• District Allowance between $1,239 for singles and $2,478 with dependants.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) – Housing with subsidised rent.
• Generous leave provisions including 3 days additional public sector holidays and 15 days personal leave per annum.
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
• 5 days Commuted Time Off in Lieu after completing 12 months continuous service in the region.
• 18 weeks paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations.

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.  Aboriginality is a genuine requirement for this position as defined under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

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.

Applicants who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

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.