The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, housing, community initiatives and regional services reform.

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 Senior Child Protection Worker / Senior Community Child Safety Practitioner works with Aboriginal children, families and communities using a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety of children in Aboriginal families and their communities. They provide responses across a continuum of child safety, ranging from developing the community’s capacity to safeguard the wellbeing of its children, to providing support to families, and taking action when children have experienced substantial harm or are at risk of substantial harm.

They work within the areas of child protection, children in care and family support and are responsible for:

• responding to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children in accordance with provisions of the Children and Community Services Act 2004,
• providing advice and expertise to District staff on the child safety and protection issues in a community context,
• engaging and working alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety for their children,
• developing and providing community education and information that promotes child safety within family community and residential settings,
• investigating serious concerns about the welfare and safety of children and takes action appropriate to the situation.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Ben Gasior, Assistant District Director on 0402 851 130

There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.

The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of contract employment and/or offers of permanent employment in this or similar roles.

Qualification Requirements

You must have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology, or relevant human services area to be eligible for this position. 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.

THIS IS A DUAL ADVERTISEMENT

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 Senior Child Protection Worker position. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.

If you do not hold an approved qualification, please apply for the Senior Community Child Safety Practitioner position.

Benefits

Working as a Senior Child Protection Worker Community / Senior Community Child Safety Practitioner in the Kimberley Region attracts great benefits (subject to eligibility) including:

• Subsidised housing,
• District Allowance ($7,436 pa),
• Remote Allowance ($4,000 pa),
• Attraction and Retention Incentive ($38, 398 pa),
• 4 weeks Annual Leave and 17.5% Annual Leave Loading,
• Generous Personal Leave Entitlements (15 Days per annum),
• Additional 3 Days Public Service Leave per annum,
• 18 Weeks Maternity/Other Parent Leave,
• Salary Packaging Remote Benefits,
• Cultural Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Employees,
• Free electricity and water,
• Air-conditioning subsidies,
• Additional leave entitlements, including 4 weeks remote location leave, 1-week Northwest leave and 1-week Commuted TOIL
• Flexible working arrangements,
• Regular training and development opportunities,
• Removal and relocation assistance,
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program for you and your family including counselling services.

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.
2. A 2 page written application addressing all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
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 technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Varsha Jpypaul-Kheeroo, HR Consultant by emailing [email protected]

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

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 Varsha Joypaul-Kheeroo.

Applicants 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.