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 Location
There are currently opportunities availble in Northam, Merredin and Moora in the Wheatbelt region. The Wheatbelt is Western Australia’s third most populous region, housing approximately 75,000 residents. It spans 154,862km2, encompassing over 200 towns and settlements across 42 local government areas boasting a rich heritage and cultural diversity. 

The Opportunity
As a Senior Child Protection Worker / Senior Child Safety Officer - Care Services you will be responsible for: 

• providing services to children in the CEOs care in accordance with Part 4, Division 5 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 and other relevant legislation to ensure the safety and protection of children, 

• providing and coordinating support to Foster Carers and promoting local practice in line with the Department’s Foster Care Partnership Model, 

• working collaboratively and innovatively with District staff and Foster Carers, community groups and other stakeholders in building local capacity and resources to meet the placement and care needs of children and young people, 

• participating in planning decisions involving children in the CEOs care, 

• ensuring Departmental Statutory Obligations and Practice Standards are complied with in relation to placements of children in the CEOs care. 

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Rachael Collins, Assistant District Director, on (08) 6277 4141.

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 within the Wheatbelt District.

Qualification Requirements
Under our Child Protection Workforce Model, priority will be given to qualified applicants in the first instance to maintain a qualified workforce. Should a qualified applicant not be identified then this selection process will be used to fill the vacancy.

If you have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant human services area, please apply for the Senior Child Safety Practitioner – Care Services position. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.

If you do not hold an approved qualification, please apply for the Senior Child Safety Officer - Care Services position.

Why Work With Us?

Read more about the benefits of working with us:

• Regional Benefits such as Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH – Conditions apply)
• Career progress and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs and services
• A targeted Child Safety Practitioner benefit plan

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 three [3] page written application addressing all the Essential Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF of the position you are applying for (Refer to 'Which Position Do I Apply For?' section above). 
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 Margia, Human Resources Advisor on 0466 171 398 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

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
Communities welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Margia via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or call 0466 171 398.

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.