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 Kimberley Joint Response Team

Joint Response is part of a State Government funded plan to combat child abuse, in particular child sexual abuse, and protect some of the State's most vulnerable children. This initiative is a partnership between our Department and WA Police.

This relationship enables a sustained and localised approach to addressing the issues of child abuse and the under-reporting of child abuse in the Kimberley. Individuals will strengthen and hone their skills in undertaking assessments and interventions to support and ensure the safety of individuals and families in this context, including developing proactive strategies to enhance broader community safety.

You will have the opportunity to travel across the Kimberley to provide a service in the many remote Aboriginal communities serviced by the district. The team works in strong partnership with communities, individuals, families and stakeholders.

The Opportunity
As a Senior Child Safety Practitioner or Officer your workday will be rewarding and challenging as you utilise your skills and knowledge of child safety, the family unit and the Children and Community Services Act 2004 to make a difference.

Your day to day responsibilities may include:

• Engaging and working alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety for their children in the context of sexual abuse and other abuse types,
• Assisting identified families and individuals in obtaining support and services to deal with sexual abuse,
• Cooperating with community groups and other agencies in promoting relevant support and coordination for clients experiencing sexual abuse,
• Developing and providing community education and information that promotes child safety within family and community settings,
• Conducting assessments and investigations on behalf of the Department under Section 32 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 to determine what action should be taken, including assessments, to determine parental or Carer capacity to protect the child.

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.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Laura Hassett, Team Leader, on 0499 144 487 or via email on Laura.Hassett@communities.wa.gov.au

There is currently one fixed term position available for immediate filling with the possibility of permanency. 

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. 

Which Position Do I Apply For?

Under our Child Protection Workforce Model, priority will be given to qualified applicants in the first instance to maintain a qualified workforce. Should a qualified applicant not be identified then this selection process will be used to fill the vacancy.

If you have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant human services area, please apply for the Senior Child Safety Practitioner position. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.

If you do not hold an approved qualification, please apply for the Senior Child Safety Officer position.

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.