This is a permanent, full time vacancy
Drive innovation. Shape rehabilitation. Make a real impact.
About Justice
When you join the Department of Justice, you become part of a people-focused organisation, working hard to make our community a fairer and safer place to live. We offer many different employment opportunities in locations around Western Australia. You will have a chance to make a real difference to your local communities and to the lives of those you work with.
About the role
The Principal Project Officer plays a pivotal role within Clinical Governance & Innovation, a specialist function of the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Branch. This team sits at the forefront of improving how corrective services deliver evidence‑based rehabilitation, assessment, and reintegration services across Western Australia.
This is a senior, influential role for someone who thrives in complexity, enjoys leading meaningful change, and wants to shape contemporary rehabilitation practice at a system level.
As a Principal Project Officer, you will initiate, plan and lead complex, high‑impact projects that strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes. Working closely with clinical leaders, operational teams and internal and external stakeholders, you will provide strategic advice and practical solutions that translate into improved practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and coordinating complex, multi‑disciplinary projects that support performance improvement across Rehabilitation and Reintegration.
- Designing and implementing contemporary, evidence‑based treatment programs and clinical initiatives responsive to the WA offender cohort.
- Undertaking complex research, environmental scanning and critical analysis to identify emerging issues and trends in rehabilitation practice.
- Strengthening and sustaining the suite of validated risk assessment and screening tools used across clinical services.
- Preparing high‑level reports, briefings and advice to inform strategic decision‑making.
- Supporting the implementation of recommendations arising from reviews, evaluations and audits.
- Acting as a positive change agent and trusted advisor across the Directorate, contributing to continuous improvement and innovation.
As a member of the Clinical Governance & Innovation management team, you will also contribute to broader leadership, capability‑building and strategic priorities across the Branch.
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking a motivated, adaptable professional who can confidently operate at both strategic and operational levels. You will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, complexity, influencing across diverse stakeholder groups, and leading work that delivers tangible outcomes.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating complex projects in a large, multi‑disciplinary environment.
- Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate evidence into practice.
- A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to build strong relationships and guide others through change.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, persuasive briefings and advice for a range of audiences and the capacity to confidently engage with specialist staff, operational teams and senior leaders.
- A genuine commitment to public service values, continuous improvement, and improving rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.
Eligibility
To be eligible for appointment to permanent positions in the West Australian Public Sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia.
Benefits and opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Career pathway opportunities.
- Learning and development opportunity programs.
- Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness centre discounts available for employees and their families.
- Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.
Application process
How to apply
Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of the position. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.
We require you to submit:
- Provide a comprehensive Resume / Curriculum Vitae, that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements.
- Contact details of two (2) recent work related referees, with one (1) of them being your current Line Manager where possible.
- A statement of no more than three (3) pages addressing your suitability for the role in relation to the following Essential Selection Criteria below as listed on the JDF. Please provide examples to support your claims.
a) Role specific requirements
- Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating concurrent complex projects in a large, multi-disciplinary organisation. Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary project management frameworks.
- Experience in effectively managing people and resources, including leading by example, promoting team cohesion, imparting knowledge and experience, and managing and rewarding performance to ensure optimal business outcomes are achieved.
b) Think through complexity
- Think critically, work with ambiguity and uncertainty, assess solutions and impacts, and take calculated risks.
All the remaining Essential Selection Criteria listed on the JDF will be assessed at a later stage in the recruitment process.
Subsequent Vacancies
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies in the Department of Justice for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of the Commissioner's Instructions No. 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy and Commissioner’s Instructions and No. 39: Interim Arrangements to Fill Public Sector Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered in the Perth Metropolitan area during this period.
For Further Job Related Information
If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact Kim Pszczola, A/Director Clinical Governance and Innovation on (08) 9264 1043 for a confidential discussion.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, youth, people of diverse sexualities and genders, women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and other diversity groups.
Applicants with disability requiring adjustments or accessibility support at any stage of the selection process can contact the hiring manager as listed under the ‘For Further Job Related Information’ section or contact the Diversity and Inclusion team on WorkforceDiversity@justice.wa.gov.au or (08) 9264 1700 for a confidential discussion.
Submitting your application
Applicants are requested to apply online. To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement.
Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.
If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone RAMS Helpdesk ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com on 1300 733 056 for assistance.
To keep you up to date on what is happening in Department of Justice and job opportunities you can go directly to the departments website or follow us on social media.
