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 Assessing Officer you will work within the areas of Working with Children Screening or National Disability Insurance Scheme Worker Screening and be responsible for assessing applications in accordance with legislation, approved standards and delegations. Using knowledge of the dynamics of abuse and offender behaviour (as it relates to children and people with disability), the role is responsible for, undertaking forensic risk assessments of applicants identified as having criminal records and other concerning conduct that may pose a risk to children and/or people with disability. The role requires the application of high levels of conceptual and analytical skills to make recommendations and decisions regarding risk assessment outcomes.

You will also support the team to ensure the development and maintenance of sound practice standards, so that quality decisions are being made within agreed timeframes and provides accurate advice to line management and key stakeholders.

The role will require exposure to confronting, offensive and potentially traumatic sensitive information. The Senior Assessing Officer will have the ability to personally manage this type of information and seek support in doing this if required.

Benefits

Working at the Department of Communities we offer a safe and healthy working environment, a range of benefits, including attractive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and learning and development opportunities in exchange for your skills, passion and commitment. To view the range of benefits that may be available click here.

More Information

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Denise Thomson, Manager Screening and Assessment, on (08) 6277 3502 or via email on Denise.Thomson@communities.wa.gov.au.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (permanent & fixed term) that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities. 

Qualification Requirements

You must have a Tertiary qualification in social work, psychology (undergraduate degree or registered psychologist), sociology, anthropology, education, social sciences, or law as per the JDF.

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 2, 3 and 4 of the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
3. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
4. 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 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.