Job opportunity

The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, housing, 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 Opportunities
As a Principal Policy Officer, you will provide strategic advice and undertake high level policy formulation and complex research and analysis in relation to the development of strategies and policies which build safe, strong, secure and inclusive communities with a focus on prevention of family, domestic and sexual violence and of violence against women. This role leads specific projects to achieve corporate objectives.

As a Principal Project Officer, you will be responsible for the management of the planning, implementation, review and evaluation of the Project and associated Project resources, in line with core Project Management accountabilities and Communication strategies associated with the delivery of such Projects.

The attached Job Description Forms (JDF) provide more information about the positions.

For further information regarding the Principal Policy Officer role, we encourage you to contact Fiona McQuisten, Manager FDVRT Central, on 0481 478 300.

For further information regarding the Principal Project Officer role, we encourage you to contact Karina Chicote, Manager Strategic Policy - Early Years, on 0432 831 869.

There is currently one (1) full time, permanent Principal Policy Officer position and one (1) part time, fixed term Principal Project Officer position available for immediate filling.

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. 

Benefits of Working With Us
Communities offers you career progression, variety, access to comprehensive learning and development, and great employment conditions. Some of these benefits may include:

• 4 weeks annual leave,
• 3 days additional public sector holidays,
• 15 days personal leave per annum,
• 11.5% superannuation, full employer contribution,
• Discount on private health insurance,
• Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance,
• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service,
• Eligibility to join the fitness passport program (access to 84 gyms across WA from $13.95 per week),
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services,
• Study assistance,
• 14 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months continuous service,
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations and,
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.

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 maximum of one (1) page cover letter and two (2) page written application addressing the following Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF:

• Shapes and Manages Strategy,
• Achieves Results and
• Builds Productive Working Relationships

3. Applicants will be required to select their preferred position/s during the application process.
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).

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Jamsie Ong, HR Consultant, 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
The Department of Communities embraces diversity and firmly believes that the best services come from a workplace, where varied viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged every day. We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce, where we encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth.

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 Jamsie Ong, HR Consultant, HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

Applicants 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.