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.

The Disability Division develops and delivers policy, programs and services that enhance the inclusion and participation of people with disability in communities across Western Australia.  

The Division works across portfolios and in partnership with key stakeholders locally and nationally to deliver the best outcomes for Western Australians living with disability, their families and carers.  

The Disability Division brings together policy, practice and strategy, to enhance the inclusion and participation of Western Australians with disability by playing a key role in contributing to national disability policy, and provider and practice reforms led by the Australian Government. This includes, but is not limited to, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reform.  

As well as guiding the vision of an inclusive Western Australia, the Division is putting it into practice through a significant service delivery stream, including oversight of supported community living, intensive service support services and the disability justice program. 

The Opportunity

The Disability Justice Service (DJS) is a state-wide service delivered by the Department of Communities, Disability Division. DJS was established in 2012 and provides a range of specialised interventions to people with an intellectual/cognitive disability interfacing with the criminal justice system.

As a Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer - Disability Justice you will be responsible for

• Contributing to the development and implementation of culturally informed and appropriate support and assistance to Aboriginal people with a disability in contact with the Western Australian criminal justice system, their families and their service providers. 

• Improving positive outcomes for Aboriginal people with a disability in custodial settings by assisting with connection to the Disability Justice Service (DJS).  

• Ensuring culturally appropriate processes and responses are undertaken to assist in effective decision making reflective of the community to which the Aboriginal person with disability belongs. 

• Providing cultural advice to DJS staff on issues relating to Aboriginal services that is proactive, solution focussed and responsive to client needs. 

• Providing cultural advice to DJS staff to enable the maintenance of strong links to family and country whilst individuals in a custodial setting. 

• Promoting and advocating for adherence to the Declared Places (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 2015 within the Bennett Brook Disability Justice Centre (the Centre); and 

• Contributing to the collaboration between Western Australia courts and custodial settings to assist in the provision of culturally responsive services and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people with disability and their families. 

Please note, the Department recognises Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this position under 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. To apply you must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be recognised by the community.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Linda Vettoor, Manager Individual & Transitional Services, on 0498 967 025 or email Linda.Vettoor@communities.wa.gov.au.

The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of contract employment and/or offers of permanent employment in this or similar roles.

The Benefits

• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution,
• 5 weeks annual leave with 20% annual leave loading,
• 3 days additional public sector holidays,
• 10 days of accrued public holiday leave,
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees,
• Access to purchased leave,
• Discount on private health insurance,
• Flexibility and convenience of rotational shift work,
• Ongoing training and development opportunities,
• Free counselling services for you and eligible family members,
• 13 weeks paid long serve leave for every seven years’ continuous service,
• Eligibility to join the fitness passport program (access to 84 gyms across WA from $16.00 per week).

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 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 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting and retaining Aboriginal people as a vital part of our diverse and talented workforce.  The Department recognises Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this position under 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. To apply you must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be recognised by the community.

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.

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 submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.