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 Senior Child Safety Practitioner you will work across the areas of child protection, children in care and family support. During your varied day you will be engaged and responsible for:

• responding to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children and applying the provisions of the Children and Community Services Act 2004;
• taking legal action to promote the safety and wellbeing of children where necessary;
• undertaking case work activities of a complex nature;
• providing services to children placed in the care of the CEO;
• providing advice and expertise to District staff on the child safety and protection issues;
• assisting and planning with District staff and others to develop community and family capacity to provide a safe environment for children and other vulnerable people;
• developing and maintaining a high degree of knowledge and skills in providing services and supports to families and communities to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children and other vulnerable members of the community;
• investigating serious concerns about the welfare and safety of children and taking action appropriate to the situation.

The Department offers great benefits including:

• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution.
• 20 working days of annual leave (pro rata for part-time) with an annual leave loading payment.
• 15 days of personal leave (pro rata for part-time).
• Three days of public service holidays per annum.
• Access to mentoring programs.
• Access to the Fitness passport program.
• A competitive and attractive salary.
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.

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.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Emma Wade, Assistant District Director, on (08) 6277 4670 Emma.Wade@communities.wa.gov.au.

There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.

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

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 two [2] page written application addressing all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
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

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

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.