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.

Everything we do is about People, Place and Home.
At the heart of our Agency, we believe our people are our greatest asset. Whether you join us as a Senior HR Business Partner (Level 5) or a Principal HR Business Partner (Level 6), you will play a vital role in shaping a workplace where leadership thrives, culture flourishes, and people feel supported to do their best work with confidence and clarity.

We encourage diversity of thought, harness collective genius, and authentically promote a vibrant, collaborative and values‑driven work environment.

About the Roles
Both roles sit within the HR Business Partnering function and contribute to a strong, future‑focused People & Culture Division. While each level has its own scope and influence, both positions are united by a shared purpose: partnering with leaders to build strong teams and create a great, safe place to work.

Senior HR Business Partner – Level 5
As a Senior HRBP, you will be a trusted practitioner supporting frontline leaders and employees across your portfolio. You will bring clarity and consistency to operational HR matters, ensuring people processes are applied fairly, professionally and in line with Communities’ policies and values.

You will provide practical, timely advice on issues such as performance, conduct, attendance, grievances and policy interpretation, ensuring processes are applied consistently and fairly. You will be the person leaders turn to for clear guidance, workforce planning support based on trends and data and connection to specialist HR expertise.

You will also contribute to organisational capability by supporting change initiatives and using people analytics to inform decision‑making.

Principal HR Business Partner – Level 6
As a Principal HRBP, you will operate at a strategic level, shaping workforce direction and partnering closely with Directors and Executive Directors on complex and sensitive workforce matters.

You will bring strategic insight, provide high‑level guidance on complex people matters, organisational change and workforce risks, ensuring decisions are grounded in evidence and aligned with organisational priorities.

You will bring a deep understanding of business context, a sharp ability to interpret workforce trends, and the confidence to influence senior leaders on the issues that matter most.

A key part of your role will be uplifting the capability of Senior HRBPs, strengthening consistency and capability across the HRBP function, and leading or contributing to strategic HR projects.

What You’ll Do
In both roles, you will wear many hats, trusted advisor, credible coach, change‑maker, storyteller and connector, all while working alongside leaders who are passionate about creating a safe, high‑performing and inclusive workplace.

Why Work With Us?

• We offer some of the most competitive public sector wages in Australia.
• We are a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program.
• Check out our flexible work options – WFH Arrangements, flexi leave, banked leave and public service holidays.
• More for your future – 12per cent employer super contributions.
• Smart salary packaging – novated leases & work laptops

Read more about the benefits of working with us.

How to Apply
Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button and provide:

For all applicants:

• A current resume/CV
• Copies of all qualifications listed in your CV (if applicable)

Applicants wishing to be considered for both Level 5 and Level 6 positions are required to address the Level 6 application requirements only.

If you are applying for the Principal HR Business Partner (Level 6) role provide:

• A one (1) page cover letter addressing the following selection criteria:
  1. Considerable experience in the delivery and management of complex Human Resources services at a senior level.
  2. Conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to implement solutions and demonstrate a high level of initiative, and
  3. Throughout your application demonstrate how your leadership behaviours (leading others context) will contribute to the People & Culture Division, with reference to the Public Sector Commission’s Leadership Expectations, including:
     • Leading collectively
     • Thinking through complexity
     • Workforce capacity
     • Dynamically sensing the environment

If you are applying for the Senior HR Business Partner (Level 5) role provide:

• A one (1) page cover letter addressing the following selection criteria:
  1. Relevant human resource experience, preferably in the delivery of a broad range of Human Resource services.
  2. Demonstrated ability to research, analyse and interpret information, apply innovative thinking to problem‑solving, and support continuous improvement in the workplace.
  3. Throughout your application demonstrate how your leadership behaviours (personal leadership context) and relevant experience will contribute to the People & Culture Division, with reference to the Public Sector Commission’s Leadership Expectations, including:
     • Leading collectively
     • Thinking through complexity
     • Workforce capacity
     • Dynamically sensing the environment

Applicants should refer to the Public Sector Commission - Building Leadership: Personal Leadership, Leaderships Expectations when preparing their response.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. Please contact Kelsey Laird on Kelsey.laird@communities.wa.gov.au or 0403 159 495 during business hours only if you have any queries regarding this recruitment process.

Throughout the duration of the recruitment process applicants will be assessed all selection criteria and the Leadership Expectations Framework.

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. 

For technical difficulties while applying online, please contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor via email Kate.Cottingham@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.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Please note: This recruitment process may be closed or withdrawn at any stage. Applicants will be notified if this occurs.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.