Job opportunity

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 Opportunity
As a Child Safety Officer/Senior Child Safety Officer some of your responsibilities include engaging, building and maintaining relationships with families and their children and communities whilst acknowledging the existing and inherent strengths that are already present. The role also works alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety to their members in ways that are:

• sustainable,
• will build resilience in children, families and the community, and
• ultimately increases social wellbeing.

The position also assists identified families and their children with relevant Agencies and community resources to ensure appropriate responses are initiated. In addition, the role is responsible for taking legal action to promote the safety and well-being of children, when necessary.

As a Child Safety Practitioner/Senior Child Safety Practitioner you work in the areas of child protection, children in care and family support and some of your responsibilities are:

• responding to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children in accordance with provisions of the Children and Community Service Act 2004;
• taking legal action to promote the safety and wellbeing of children where necessary,
• providing services to children placed in the care of the CEO;
• assisting identified families and their children with relevant Agencies and community resources to ensure appropriate supports are in place;
• engaging and working alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety to their members in ways that:
  • are sustainable;
  • will build resilience in children, families and the community; and
  • ultimately increases social wellbeing.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Rachel Dancey, District Director on 0427 386 263.

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. 

Please only consider applying for this vacancy if you are interested in roles in the East Kimberley.  

Working in the East Kimberley

The East Kimberley region is located in the far north of Western Australia. The region boasts a relaxed atmosphere with many lifestyle and recreational activities available, such as boating, fishing, chasing waterfalls and 4WDing. Staff in the East Kimberley maintain a real sense of community and positive relationships with the children and families they work with. A large percentage of the region’s population is Aboriginal, so working here offers a unique opportunity to work within these communities, which have strong ties to culture, ceremony and the arts.

Experience a destination like no other, contribute to a culturally rich region, and develop professional relationships that will last a lifetime.

Change your lifestyle, grow your career and make a real impact in the East Kimberley!

Benefits of Working With Us

Communities offers you career progression, variety, access to comprehensive learning and development, and great employment conditions including the following (subject to eligibility

Benefits – Kununurra

Working in the East Kimberley Region attracts great additional benefits (subject to eligibility) including:

• Subsidised Government Regional Officer Housing
• District Allowance - $7,436 single or $14,872 family per annum, paid fortnightly.
• Generous leave entitlements including 4 weeks annual leave,
• Additional leave entitlements including 1 week North West leave
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
• 12% 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,
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services
• Study leave and assistance
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations

After 12 Months Continuous Service 

• 1-week Commuted TOIL  
• Annual Leave Travel Concession (ALTC) – After 12 months of service the Department will cover cost for return flights to and from Perth for the employee and their eligible dependants.

Benefits – Halls Creek

Working in the East Kimberley Remote and Isolated Locations (Halls Creek) attracts great additional benefits (subject to eligibility) including:

• Free housing, electricity, and water.
• 10 weeks leave per year including:
• 4 weeks Annual Leave
• 4 weeks of Remote-Community Leave for each completed year of service.
• Commuted TOIL (1 week per annum)
• Northwest Leave (1 week), accrued from commencement
• Generous Personal Leave Entitlements (15 Days per annum)
• District Allowance - $7,436 single or $14,872 family per annum, paid fortnightly.
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
• Relocation assistance
• Cultural Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Employees
• Personal Leave Travel Time
• Salary Packaging of Remote Benefits
• Corrective Lenses Subsidies

After 12 Months Continuous Service 

• Annual Leave Travel Concession (ALTC) – After 12 months of service the Department will cover cost for return flights to and from Perth for the employee and their eligible dependants.
• 1-week Commuted TOIL

Qualification Requirements
You must have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology, or relevant human services area to be eligible for this position. All overseas qualifications must be assessed for Australian equivalency. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements for this role, and how we will be assessing your qualifications.

Which Position Do I Apply For?

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 Child Safety Practitioner/Senior Child Safety Practitioner. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.

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

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 2-page written application addressing all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
3. When you apply online you will be prompted to select the position/s you are applying for. If you are applying for multiple positions, please address the selection criteria of the highest position you are applying for, you will be assessed against both criteria.
4. A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
5. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
6. 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 Emily Parker, HR Consultant on 0478 853 062 AND email 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 Emily Parker, HR Consultant at HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au and via phone 0478 853 062

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.