Job opportunity

Are you looking for more than just a job where you can grow your career and make a real impact in the Pilbara?

Department of Communities is seeking a passionate and caring individual ready for their next career in Child Protection and Family Support, all whilst working and living in one WA’s most captivating and culturally rich locations, the Pilbara!

We welcome those who are committed to making a difference to the lives of others and supporting our community. Our work is complex, important and meaningful, and everyday we have the chance to change the lives for our community in which we serve.

The Opportunity

Senior Practice Development Officers play an integral role in the Districts, working behind the scenes to develop ways to continuously improve our services.

As a Senior Practice Development Officer you will be responsible for:

• Providing advice, consultation and assistance to District Directors, Assistant District Directors, Team Leaders and other Field staff within the district on operational policy and practice matters and complex casework practice issues.
• Promoting quality practice and continuous improvement in the delivery of services.
• Contributing to the development of monitoring and reviewing frameworks and supports their operation.
• Monitoring, reporting and making recommendations on the standard of departmental practice.
• Contributing to professional development and practice development by engagement in a range of learning strategies including mentoring and coaching.

The attached Job Description Forms (JDF) provide more information about the positions. For further information we encourage you to contact Ben Gasior, Assistant District Director, on 0402 851 130 or Ben.Gasior@communities.wa.gov.au. 

There is currently one (1) permanent position available.

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

The Location – Port Hedland, Pilbara

The Pilbara offers the perfect opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, whilst being immersed in the regions diverse and rich culture including traditional Aboriginal culture. 

The township of Port Hedland has two main residential centres Port and South Hedland, offering a range of community services including cultural, recreation and shopping facilities.

The Town of Port Hedland is a family friendly community with a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful coastal location. As the gateway to the Pilbara, Port Hedland is the perfect location for individuals or families to enjoy venturing through untouched scenery and exploring some of the best locations Western Australia has to offer. 

To get an insight into the Pilbara region and the Town of Port Hedland click here and here to see what the region and town have to offer.

Why Work With Us? 
Our salaries are competitive and leave provisions are generous. We’ll support you in your work and your career development with professional supervision, a comprehensive learning pathway that will develop contemporary skills and knowledge, a range of flexible work options and opportunities.  

Working in the Pilbara offers an attractive salary and a range of other benefits including:

• District Allowance between $9,299 for singles and $18,598 with dependants;.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) – Housing with subsidised rent.
• Generous leave provisions including 5 Days Northwest Leave, 3 days additional public sector holidays and 15 days personal leave per annum.
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
• 5 days Commuted Time Off in Lieu after completing 12 months continuous service in the region.
• Annual Leave Travel Concession – After 12 months service in the region, the Department will cover the cost for return flights to and from Perth for yourself and any eligible dependents.
• 18 weeks paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations.

To find out further information about benefits in regional locations visit the benefits page for more details. 

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.

1. A two [2] page summary outlining the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in the context of the job description and Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria).

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 Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0466 517 569 during business hours only.  

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 Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0466 517 569 during business hours only.  

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.