Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging career where you can provide vital front-line support and advocacy for at risk children and youth in one of Queensland’s most unique regions?

The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety currently have permanent entry-level Child Safety Officer (CSO) roles at our Mount Isa service centre.

This is a diverse and rewarding role where you will put children first and support their safety and rights. Based in the Mt Isa Child Safety Service Centre (CSSC), you will work closely with other CSOs reporting to, and supported by, your Senior Team Leader. You will collaborate with Child Safety Support Officers (CSSOs) and Cultural Practice Advisors (CPAs) in your CSSC to ensure children and young people’s safety across your region.

Our Mt Isa CSSC provides vital care and support to children and families across the North-West region of Queensland.

What Does Being a CSO Mean?

As a CSO, you will be responsible for delivering statutory child protection services including assessment, intervention, casework, and case management in accordance with legislation and practice guidelines. Your diverse role can involve working with children in temporary care, children in their home, children in foster care, their parents, families, communities, and guardians.

Our CSOs work across the whole child protection continuum, and when you join us as an entry-level CSO, you will receive both formal and ongoing training to set you up for success as you work through this continuum to provide support and advocacy for children and young people.

This continuum encompasses but is not limited to:

• Working collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team, to provide integrated child protection practices including intake, assessment, intervention, casework, and complex case management
• Building professional relationships with children, parent, guardians, colleagues, stakeholders, and service providers
• Demonstrating commitment to maintaining cultural capability, engaging in self-directed learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and contributing to a culturally safe and inclusive workplace
• Maintaining accurate case records in line with departmental policies, statutory responsibilities, and the child protection practice framework
• Use evidence-based practices and actively participate in continuous learning, training, and professional development to stay updated on contemporary practices

To learn more about the CSO role, please click here.

What you get for Becoming a CSO:

This is an important role where you will walk away each day with the reward of knowing that you’re making a tangible difference to the safety of children in Queensland.

• An attractive annual salary in line with PO3 circa $99347 - $108191
• 12.75% superannuation
• Flexible leave and TOIL options
• 2 weeks of formal training and ongoing training throughout the first year of your role
• Clear opportunities for career growth and progression including leadership or joining central teams

Working in Mount Isa you will also receive rural benefits including:

• Area allowance of $7,500 annually PLUS fortnightly locality allowance up to $91.60
• 5 extra days of paid annual leave
• Substantial accommodation subsidies
• Relocation assistance negotiable for the right candidate
• Regional travel opportunities and allowances

For more information on the benefits of becoming a CSO, including regional incentives, please click here.

Our CSOs agree, the biggest benefit of being a CSO is the job itself. Here are what some of our CSSC staff had to say:

“What keeps me going? The beautiful smile that comes on a staff member’s face when they talk about the real difference they’re making. You don’t get that anywhere else.”

“I’m really proud that I’ve been able to help staff pave their careers. That’s one of the great things about our organisation - you can refine your skills then have opportunities to pursue your passion.”

“People here are very caring and very passionate. We all have a shared sense of purpose and more often than not, people look out for each other. There's a real sense of camaraderie within specific teams.”

What you Need to be a CSO

When you join our team, you will be part of a team of passionate and dedicated advocates across Queensland. While this role is incredibly rewarding and important, it is a challenging frontline role and you will need to be resilient as you may be exposed to confronting situations.

To join us as an entry-level CSO you will need:

• An Australian Driver’s License, either Open or P2
• The right to work in Australia as a Citizen, Resident, or on a current visa that allows you to work
• A Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Social Welfare, Psychology, Behavioural Science or related or a Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
• Another Bachelor Degree alongside either post-graduate studies relating to human services, psychology, or behavioural science; or 12 months full-time relevant work experience

For more information about qualifications, please click here.

This role involves relationship building and maintenance, across your team and the CSSC, as well as with parents, children, and guardians. As such, you will have excellent relationship-building skills and a high-level of empathy, while still being aware of and following professional boundaries.

Life in Mt Isa

When you join the Mt Isa CSSC, you’ll be part of a full-service centre working alongside other government departments in this thriving North-West QLD town. As the heart of the region, Mount Isa is a modern city of 22,000 residents nestled in the desert landscapes. Originally a mining town, it's now a top producer of copper, silver, lead, and zinc, offering diverse opportunities beyond mining.

The town has plenty of things to see and do in your free time, including underground mines, the Mount Isa Rodeo, and annual Isa street festival. There’s also Barramundi fishing, bird watching, hiking, and more ways to explore the natural beauty.

With over 56 national origins living harmoniously together, there is a rich cultural tapestry, including the land's original custodians, the Kalkadoon and Indjilandji people. Mount Isa isn't just about industry; it's a family-friendly oasis with educational, career, and lifestyle opportunities, where people are proud to be part of our community.

Mt Isa is a regional hub, with great amenities including its own airport, where you’ll be an hour and a half from Townsville, and just over two hours from Brisbane.

As part of the Mount Isa CSSC, you’ll be an integral part of the community and will be nestled into the community culture, with the opportunity to cover many aspects of the Child Protection Continuum.

Every child needs someone. So does every family. What if it’s you? Kick-start your career in Child Safety - click Apply Now!