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.

Are you Aboriginal/Torres Islander looking for an opportunity to enhance the lives of Aboriginal children, young people and families?

These roles are more than a job. You will have the opportunity to work alongside families and Community organisations, helping families to build safety and support around children and young people in the Aboriginal community.

The Roles:

The Department recognises Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for these positions under 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. To apply you must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be recognised by the community

Senior Child Safety Practitioner (50(d))/ Senior Child Safety Officer (50(d)) - Aboriginal Intensive Family Support

These roles engage and work with identified at risk Aboriginal families to prevent the need for children to enter out of home care.

You will also be responsible for assisting and planning with District staff and others to develop community and family capacity to provide a safe environment for children and other vulnerable people is key to the role. Some of your duties will include:

• Providing or arranging services to Aboriginal families that will address child protection issues and strengthen family functioning in line with the case plan. This includes referrals to appropriate Agencies based on assessed family needs and available resources.
• Facilitating parent understanding of the worries of the Department and supporting parents to strengthen their capacity to provide safe care and determine what needs to happen to address the safety of their child(ren).
• Responding 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.

Child Safety Practitioner (50(d))/Child Safety Officer (50(d))

In this role you will work in the areas of Child Protection and Children in Care. You will be responsible for engaging, building and maintaining relationships with families and their children and communities whilst acknowledging the existing and inherent strengths that are already present. The role also engages with and works alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety to their members in ways that are:

• Sustainable,
• Will build resilience in children, families and the community, and
• Ultimately increases social wellbeing.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Lisa Ludgwick, Assistant District Director on (08) 9497 6555.

There are currently 2 fixed term positions available for immediate filling for a period of 12 months with the possibility of externsion or permanency.

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 and/or 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 and/or Child Safety Officer.

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 two [2] page written application addressing specific Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF. For each position you are applying for as below**:

• Child Safety Practitioner - Criteria 2,4,5,6.
• Child Safety Officer - Criteria 2,3,4,5.
• Senior child Safety Practitioner- Criteria -1,2,4,6.
• Senior Child Safety Officer - Criteria1,2,3,5.
• Please include a summary of your skills, knowledge, and experiences you would bring to this/these position/s..
• You are encouraged to provide examples that draws on your Cultural knowledge, previous work experience and lived experiences.

1. A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
2. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
3. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

You will be prompted to select your preferred role during your application

** If applying for more than one role, please address the highest criteria on your application.

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Nijole West, HR Consultant via email on [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 an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting and retaining Aboriginal people as a vital part of our diverse and talented workforce. The Department recognises Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this position under 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. To apply you must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be recognised by the community.

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 Nijole West.

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.