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.
Want to make a difference?
Make a difference in the lives of children who need it most. We need you!
We are seeking employees who have genuine care and compassion for others, and who can work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary team to meet the needs and best interests of the child. Those who are resilient, patient, calm, have a non-judgmental attitude and recognise and respect cultural differences. People that can teach life skills and engage children positively in recreational skills. Those that can exhibit strong communication skills, quickly adapt to changing needs, and can understand and practice self-care.
You will be embraced by a supportive team who are very welcoming. The team are willing to empower you and share their experience for you to thrive, whilst being reflective in its practice to achieve the best outcomes for the children in care.
The vision for Therapeutic Residential Care in Western Australia is to provide a safe and stable home for young people that enables them to heal, connect, learn, and be prepared for their adult lives.
Working and Living in the Mid-West
The Mid-West of Western Australia spans from the Indian Ocean coastline inland to the Gibson Desert. Your outdoor adventure includes exploring wildflowers, beach swimming, discovering the Abrolhos Islands, taking in Kalbarri National Park’s red and white sandstone gorges and tasting terrific fresh local produce. Discover the major town of Geraldton for yourself.
Our benefits
Communities offers a range of benefits. Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program
- Fixed term and permanent employees receive 17.5% annual leave loading.
- Casual emplyees receive an additional 25% loading allowance on top of the base salary $76,912 - $82,464 pa pro rata and penalty rates may apply.
- Based on eligibility and location, you could be paid;
- district allowance of $1,239 without dependants, or $2478 with dependants.
- 5 weeks annual leave (includes 1 week of shift work allowance)
- 10 days for public holidays
- Three days public service holidays per annum
Successful applicants will be required to: complete a medical and physical functional capacity examination and attend mandatory training for 4 weeks from 20/07/2026. Please consider this before applying, as these are requirements of the role.
The Opportunity
As a Therapeutic Residential Care Worker, you will be responsible for working as a member of a team to achieve best outcomes for children and young people and providing group and individual therapeutic residential care to children and young people. You will assist in planning, developing and implementing activities for children and young people. Refer to the attached Job Description Form for further information.
Your work is guided by the Sanctuary Model to ensure the consistent delivery of trauma informed care to young people in Residential Care, which includes the Seven Commitments for creating safe environments. (see attached)
Click the video below to see what it's like working at Communities!
The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Michelle Platt, Assistant Director, on (08) 6215 1783 or email Michelle.Platt@communities.wa.gov.au
Join an online Information Session
You will hear from our leaders about Residential Care, the role, their experiences and career progression working with Department of Communities. A HR Business Partner will provide information about the Department and employment benefits. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Register your attendance for Tuesday 12th May 2026 at 5pm (AWST) using the link. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/residential-care-worker-information-session-geraldton-12526-tickets-1987807132644?aff=oddtdtcreator
If your unable to attend, and seek further information, please contact Michelle Platt, Assistant Director, on 61862151783 or email HRBPStatewideServices@communities.wa.gov.au for a recording of an information session.
If you’re looking for more than just a job and ready to make a difference, apply now!
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:
- A current resume/CV that outlines your relevant experience for the role and includes two work related referees.
- A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of relevance of the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
- An application form (for hard copy applications only).
You will be prompted to answer the following online questions in your own words (not AI generated responses) for Questions 2, 3 & 4. Your responses form part of your application assessment.
- Q1 Do you hold a current West Australian 'C' or 'C-A' class Licence, or equivalent?
If selected for an interview please note that for each of the below questions you may be required to provide the name, organisation and email address of the manager/supervisor who can verify your example.
- Q2 (a) How would you ensure traumatised young people would feel welcome and safe in therapeutic residential care?
- Q2 (b) What cultural safety considerations would you apply when working with traumatised young people? (Criteria 1)
- Q3 Provide an example how you have worked with young people to help them build on life skills and develop recreational activities to enhance self-worth. (Criteria 2)
- Q4 What values and skills do you have that you bring to a team, and provide an example to demonstrate working in a team? (Criteria 3)
Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.
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.
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 click here.
For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Joyce Briggs, A/HR Consultant on 0478 264 755 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 Joyce Briggs, A/HR Consultant via email HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au and via phone on 0478 264 755.
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.
Attachments:-
Application Form
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Information for Job Applicants.pdf
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JDF - Therapeutic Residential Care Worker (Statewide) - Level 2
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The-Sanctuary-commitments.pdf
You can view and print these PDF attachments by downloading Adobe Reader.
