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.

The Disability Division
The Disability Division (the Division) develops and delivers policy, programs and services that enhance the inclusion and participation of people with disability in communities across Western Australia. The Division works across portfolios and in partnership with key stakeholders locally and nationally to deliver the best outcomes for Western Australians living with disability, their families and carers.

As well as guiding the vision of an inclusive Western Australia, the Disability Division is putting it into practice through a significant service delivery stream, including oversight of supported community living, intensive service support services and the disability justice program.

The Opportunities
As a Senior Policy Officer or Principal Policy Officer within the Disability Division you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your day to day role, while working in a Division that works to progress disability reform, working in partnership with key stakeholders locally and nationally to deliver the best outcomes for Western Australians living with disability, their families and carers.

Both the Senior and Principal Policy Officer positions play a key role in the development and implementation of initiatives which build and strengthen capacity across the Disability Services sector, and the wider WA community, enabling the delivery of and access to high quality supports for people with disability.

As a Level 6 Senior Policy Officer you will support stakeholder engagement and co-design, and contribute to State and Commonwealth reform.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may also involve:

• Completing complex research, analysis, reviews and evaluation of policy.
• Assisting in the management and coordination of strategic projects, to ensure outcomes are consistent with Department and government priorities.
• Communicating and engaging effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including people with lived experience of disability
• Providing strategic advice and input into policies, strategies and legislative reform.
• Preparing reports, briefing notes, speeches and correspondence with other written material.

As a Level 7 Principal Policy Officer you will work across policy development, implementation, and project management, providing strategic advice and supporting change management and commissioning initiatives.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may also involve:

• Playing a lead role in the commissioning of community programs which deliver outcomes sought by people with disability
• Coordinating and contributing to the development of key organisational policies and strategies, initiatives and processes.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships across government and sector partners, while communicating complex and sensitive information, influencing outcomes and supporting strategic decision-making.
• Developing, implementing and monitoring policies, strategies and frameworks.
• Coordinating and undertaking individual policy and other projects with a complex across agency or sector wide focus.
• Researching, preparing and presenting high level reports, briefing notes, speeches, correspondence and other written material relevant to the outputs of the Division and for a wide audience including parliament, ministers, the Director General and Assistant Director General.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships across government and sector partners, while communicating complex and sensitive information, influencing outcomes and supporting strategic decision-making.

The Directorates
We are looking to fill Senior Policy Officer and Principal Policy Officers in the following Directorates -

Policy and Reform

• Lead development of statewide policy, such as the State Disability Strategy
• Provide policy support to the service delivery functions
• Lead legislative reform
• Lead the response to national disability reform, such as the NDIS Review and the Disability Royal Commission

Disability Engagement and Stewardship

• Lead engagement and investment in disability community and the sector
• Lead lived experience engagement
• Lead engagement with mainstream government agencies on disability intersections
• Manage the performance and co-governance of the NDIS in WA

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.

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.

More Information
The attached Job Description Forms (JDF) provide more information about the positions. For further information we encourage you to contact Rosie McKay from RMK Consulting on (08) 6143 5351 or via email to rosie.mckay@rmkcg.com.au.

The below opportunities may be available for filling from this process:

• Three (3) fixed term Senior Policy Officer (Level 6) positions for immediate filling until November 2027, with the possibility of extension.
• Four (4) permanent Senior Policy Officer (Level 6) positions for immediate filling.
• Two (2) fixed term Principal Policy Officer (Level 7) positions for potential filling up to 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension.

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. 

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, including copies of any qualifications referenced within.
2. A two (2) page written application addressing all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF of the position you are applying for. If applying for both positions, please address your application to the Level 7 selection criteria (only).
3. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

Note: When applying online, you will be prompted to note the position/s you are applying for, and if you have a preference to work in the Policy and Reform Directorate, the Disability Engagement and Stewardship Directorate, or either Directorate.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact HR Recruitment via 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
At Communities, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and the strength that comes from a team of individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and talents. We embrace difference, celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value the resilience, problem-solving skills and contribution to our community made by people with disability. If you are a person with disability, we want you to apply. 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 a HR Consultant via email to HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

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.