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 the State Director Therapeutic Care you will work in a leadership position which operates at the State and Department level within the authority of the Children and Community Services Act 2004. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading high-quality Western Australian therapeutic residential and secure care operations for children with complex needs to meet statutory requirements, and Department objectives;
• Leading the implementation of the Residential Care Reform Project across Western Australia, setting up new houses, implementing policy and practice enhancements and embedding continuous improvement for all sites;
• Developing and nurturing partnerships with child protection Districts, and other government agencies and non-government services providers, to facilitate an integrated approach to out of home care that leads to better lives for children;
• Leading the development of a professional and skilled residential care workforce across Western Australia;
• Contributing professional expertise to the development of Department strategy and frameworks.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Ben Whitehouse, Executive Director Statewide Services on 0419 230 170

There is currently one permanent position available for immediate filling.

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

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 1,2 and 3 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).

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Emily Parker, A/HR Hub Coordinator 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, A/HR Hub Coordinator 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.