Working in the North West (Kimberley and Pilbara)
Leading child protection teams in the North West of Western Australia offers a rare blend of impactful leadership and enriching lifestyle. Working closely with Aboriginal communities provides deep cultural learning and meaningful partnerships that strengthen outcomes for children and families. At the same time, leaders gain valuable experience managing teams and complex casework, shaping high-quality practice in a dynamic regional context—all while enjoying the unique landscapes, strong community connections, and balanced lifestyle the region offers.
Change your lifestyle, grow your career and make a real impact in the North West!
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
The Department of Communities is seeking experienced and committed Team Leaders/Team Managers to provide operational and professional leadership across child protection, children in care and family support service delivery.
Reporting to the District Director or other senior leaders, these roles are responsible for leading a district-based team, supervising complex statutory casework, and ensuring high standards of practice in accordance with the Children and Community Services Act 2004. The position plays a critical role in safeguarding the safety, wellbeing and development of vulnerable children and supporting families across Western Australia.
The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Justine de Candia, District Director, on 0439 996 718.
Benefits of Working With Us
Communities offers you career progression, variety, access to comprehensive learning and development, and great employment conditions including the following (subject to eligibility
Exceptional Location Benefits: Working in the Region comes with a generous range of incentives designed specifically for regional living, including:
- Subsidised GROH Housing
Enjoy affordable, quality housing that makes relocating and living in the region easier and more cost‑effective.
- Annual Leave Travel Concession (Free Pass to the Coast)
Take advantage of one free return trip every second year, helping you stay connected with family, friends, and city getaways.
- 5 Days Commuted TOIL per Year
Benefit from additional time off to support work‑life balance and reward your commitment to regional service.
- Attractive Paid Leave Allowances
Access enhanced leave arrangements that recognise the unique demands and opportunities of working in remote locations. Including 4 weeks Annual Leave, 15 days Personal Leave, Bereavement Leave, 18 weeks Paid Parental Leave, Paid Public Holidays and Study Leave to support your development into qualified roles.
- District Allowance– amounts will vary depending on location”
- Regional Incentive Scheme
An allowance of up to $1,000 per year towards the reimbursement of utility expenses.
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 in the Pilbara or Kimberley Region.
Positions are currently available in East Kimberley, Newman, Fitzroy Crossing, Kununurra and Halls Creek.
Qualification Requirements
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.
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 Team Leader Child Safety position. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.
If you do not hold an approved qualification, please apply for the Team Manager Child Safety 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:
- A current resume/CV.
- A two [2] page written application addressing all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF..
- A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
- A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
- 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 Michela Orsini, HR Consultant,on 0434 464 370 or via email Michela.Orsini@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 Michela Orsini, HR Consultant at HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au and via phone 0464 464 970.
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
-
Information for Applicants
-
JDF - Team Leader Child Safety - CSQ3
-
JDF - Team Manager Child Safety - CSU4
You can view and print these PDF attachments by downloading Adobe Reader.
