Community Work Officer
- Kimberley Region, Western Australia
- Department of Justice
- Permanent - Full Time
- Closing at: Sep 28 2026 - 16:30 AWST
- Level 2
- Young People
- Corrective Services
- Level 2, $79,604 - $85,350 p.a. plus 12% superannuation (PSCSAA, 2024)
- 1.0
- 013872
- Kununurra
- Community and Welfare Support Workers
Relocation supports available to Interstate and New Zealand applicants.
This is a permanent, full-time vacancy. Applicants will not be found suitable if they do not move to Kununurra.
Currently, there is one permanent position available for immediate filling.
About the role
The position of Community Work Officer at East Kimberley Regional Youth Justice Services is to work with designated young people subject to community work obligations of Orders issued by the sentencing authorities. They work with the aim of ensuring that young people satisfy the requirements of their community work obligations according to legislation and Departmental policy. This is carried out in a manner that the young people make reparations to the community through the work undertaken. This role is a nurturing, mentoring, and encouraging role in helping young offenders retain a sense of dignity and self-worth, where possible, have an opportunity to develop new skills and thus contribute to their rehabilitation.
The Community Work Officer role is required to manage work groups comprised of individuals who may have differing degrees of motivation and skills to perform the tasks expected; undertake their duties with understanding of and sensitivity to diverse cultural groups; give guidance and direction to the individuals as to how best to perform the practical tasks expected of them; liaise with representatives of those agencies in the community that have requested tasks to be performed.
Youth Justice Services is responsible for providing services for young people that are aligned with those mandated under the Young Offenders Act 1994.
The team at East Kimberley Regional Youth Justice services the towns of Kununurra, Wyndham, Halls Creek, and remote communities including Warmun, Balgo and Kalumburu. The region takes in some of the most picturesque places in outback Australia. As a team leader, you are responsible for exhibiting positive and strong leadership to the whole team. It involves travel to very isolated communities, it involves communication to families, strong people and elders to provide support for our young people.
Our work involves using research led counselling and intervention techniques to affect positive behaviour changes in young people. The position is based in Kununurra, and you will work in a close-knit team with all members of the team focussed on working with young people and their families to achieve positive results. There is travel requirements that come with the position.
Suitability Requirements
Through the recruitment process, we are seeking a proactive and self-driven professional who thrives in a collaborative team environment, is motivated by challenges, and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the young people we serve who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following
Essential Selection Criteria:
- Shapes & Manages Strategy
- Achieve Results
- Builds Productive Relationships
- Exemplifies Personal Integrity & Self Awareness
- Communicates & Influences Effectively
Role Specific Criteria:
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with young people, their families and communities (including Aboriginal young people, families, communities and elders).
- Knowledge and understanding of legislation and best practice relating to the management of young people including the Young Offenders Act 1994, Children’s Court of WA Act, Bail Act, Sentencing Act and Sentence Administration Act; the ability to communicate this knowledge and advocate for best outcomes for our young people.
Benefits and opportunities
- Career pathway opportunities including experience acting as a Youth Support or Justice Officer of the Centre when required.
- Learning and development opportunities
- Government Regional Officers Housing may be available to the successful applicant.
- 5 weeks of Annual leave and a yearly annual leave travel concession
- Allowance to assist with the cost of electricity for 9 months of the year
- Relocation assistance/allowance available for applicants relocating from Interstate or New Zealand (if eligible)
- Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.
Application process
How to apply
Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of the position. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.
For more information about the recruitment and selection process and other benefits, please refer to the Applicant Information Pack.
We require you to submit:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements.
- A statement no more than two pages, addressing all the following Essential Selection Criteria and Role Specific Criteria.
Please provide examples to support your claims. - Demonstrated experience working with young people, families and communities, including aboriginal young people, elders and families
- Building Productive Relationships
- Contact details of two work related referees, one of whom should be your current/ most recent supervisor.
All remaining Suitability Requirements will be assessed at a later stage in the process.
Subsequent Vacancies
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with section 7d of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.48 – Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Permanent Vacancies, and section 9d of the Commissioner Instructions 49 - Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Fixed Term Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered at East Kimberley Regional Youth Justice Services during this period.
For further job-related information
If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact Daniel Walkerden on (08) 9166 6500 for a confidential discussion.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can access support by following this link.
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above or email workforcediversity@justice.wa.gov.au.
Submitting your application
To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement.
Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.
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