Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children in Western Australia? This is an opportunity to make real change in communities, keeping children safe and strong.

Hear Directly from Our People!

Watch this video to hear our Child Protection Workers and Field Workers share their experiences and insights into this rewarding profession.

This will be the experience of a lifetime…

Senior Child Protection Workers and Senior Field Workers work with children, young people and families who are vulnerable or in crisis to ensure children are safe and protected from harm. They:

• Undertake case work activities of a complex nature.
• Make recommendations on the care and management of children.
• Develop a high level of knowledge and skills in providing services and support to families and communities.
• Provide expert advice to District staff members on child safety and protection issues.

Senior Field Worker positions are modified Senior Child Protection Worker positions that are ONLY available in Regional WA locations.

We have opportunities available across the state. If you are found suitable for the role, you'll be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for vacancies that arise across the state in the next 12 months. As part of the application process, you’ll be asked about your location preferences.

We encourage you to review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for more information on the role.

Working at Communities

Our salaries are competitive and leave provision and benefits are generous, we will support you in your work and your career development with professional supervision, a comprehensive learning pathway that will develop contemporary skills and knowledge and opportunities to advance your career. Some of these benefits may include:

• An attractive and competitive salary plus, 11% superannuation, full employer contribution, which will increase to 12% by 1 July 2025
• 4 weeks annual leave, 3 days additional public sector holidays, 15 days personal leave per annum
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service
• 42/52 salary arrangement enables eligible employees to purchase up to ten additional weeks of leave per year by receiving a reduced salary rate over 52 weeks of the year.
• Deferred salary arrangement allows employees to reduce their salary by 20% over four years and take paid leave in the fifth year at 80% of their salary

Regional benefits

If you are working in a regional area, you may be eligible for a range of other benefits depending on your circumstances and district or geographical location. These might include:

• District allowance
• Air-conditioning subsidies for properties with refrigerated air-conditioning
• An additional week of annual leave if you are based above 26th Parallel South
• Paid travel time and annual leave travel concession for certain districts
• Paid regional medical travel
• Subsidised housing may be available
• Removal and relocation assistance

Find out more about our regional locations and generous benefits by clicking here.

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 Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant human services area, please apply for the Senior Child Protection Worker position. All overseas qualifications must be assessed for Australian equivalency. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.

To work in the Perth Metropolitan area you must meet these qualification requirements. 

If you do not hold an approved qualification, please apply for the Senior Field Worker position.

Applying is easy…

Don’t miss out! 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 comprehensive resume/CV.
2. A one [1] page written cover letter that outlines your skills and experience in alignment with the job description and the iCreate Values of the Department of Communities. 
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 any problems submitting your application, reach out to our friendly HR Recruitment Team on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

Contact Us

For further information on the job duties, locations or requirements: Refer to the Job Description Form (JDF) or contact Mel Curran District Director on 0432 835 994.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format: Contact our friendly HR Recruitment Team on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

If you require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or to let us know your preferred methods of communication, please discuss with a HR Consultant at HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or via the National Relay Service on:

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

The Department of Communities is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position.  Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact the HR Recruitment team 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.

#LI-DNI

Attachments:
- Application Form
- Child Protection Qualification Framework
- FAQ sheet section 51 measures to achieve equality
- Information for Job Applicants
- JDF - Senior Child Protection Worker - SCL2
- JDF - Senior Field Worker - L5

You can view and print these PDF attachments by downloading Adobe Reader.