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. The State Government is investing $3.2 billion, to improve the quality and accessibility of social housing and homelessness services in the State. This is the single largest, one-off investment into social housing in the state’s history and will provide an immediate boost to social housing.

About Us
The Housing and Homelessness Division as part of the Department of Communities is responsible for leading the land, housing, and built-form construction activities of the agency. It is about more than buildings – it is about creating vibrant and inclusive communities that meet the needs of all types of people and contribute to individual and community wellbeing.

The Opportunity
There are opportunities within the Housing Delivery & Asset Maintenance directorate which drives the delivery of the State Government’s investments in social housing and infrastructure, aligned to Ministerial priorities to address community need. Opportunities exist within the directorate’s Complex Programs directorate is responsible for overseeing the delivery of Communities’ Complex Programs including Kimberley Flood Recovery and the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund.

The directorate provides quality advice to Government regarding program delivery including time, cost and risk. The directorate is also responsible for program governance, communications and stakeholder engagement.

As a Principal Project Officer, you will provide whole of life project management across one or more projects or may be responsible for the delivery of a complex project. The position may lead or contribute to project initiation and business case development, funding submissions, community and stakeholder engagement, service design and commissioning, project monitoring, evaluation, and close-out.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Lynda Purkis, Program Manager by phone on 0419 780 073.

There are currently two (2) fixed term positions until June 2026 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 3 years 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,
• 18 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 three (3) 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 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 is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position.  Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

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.