The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, 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.

This vacancy is being advertised for a period of 4 weeks, from Tuesday September 16, 2025, closing on Monday October 20, 2025 at 4pm.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Child Safety Practitioner/ Senior Child Safety Officer you will work in the areas of Child Protection and children in care.

Some of your responsibilities will be:

• Respond to reported concerns about a child’s wellbeing by making enquiries under Section 31 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 as to whether action is required to safeguard or promote the child’s wellbeing.
• Engage with children and families of children in care to promote and ensure their safety, wellbeing and development and to assist Field staff in this area as required.
• Undertake child and family assessments to provide for support services or arrange treatment for families who come to the attention of the Department.
• Provide assessment, planning and intervention at an advance level to individuals and communities with a Service Delivery team.
• Develop and demonstrate expertise in case work and child protection methods.

About You

• You have knowledge of, or experience in the engagement, assessment, and intervention with families, vulnerable children, and communities.
• The ability to build effective working relationships with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders within a compliance driven and legislative framework.
• You have knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and culturally diverse people.
• You have strong communication skills, and demonstrated skills in analysis and intervention planning, as well as the ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities.
• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology or a relevant Human Service area.

Please only apply for this pool if you are genuinely interested in working within the Wheatbelt region.

The attached Job Description Forms (JDF) on Jobs WA website provide more information about the positions. For further information we encourage you to contact Julie Mckenzie, District Director on (08) 6277 4141.

Currently, there are 3 permanent positions available for immediate filling:

• 014078 – Moora – Full Time
• 020374 – Narrogin – Full Time
• 003756 – Merredin – Full Time

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.

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 Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant human services area, please apply for the Senior Child Safety Practitioner position. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.

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

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 three [3] 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 Macarena Acosta, HR Advisor 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 embraces diversity and firmly believes that the best services come from a workplace, where varied viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged every day. We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce, where we encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth.

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 Macarena..

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.