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.
Looking for more than just a job?
Discover a lifestyle opportunity across the East Kimberley, West Kimberley, and Pilbara — where career growth meets adventure, community, and balance.
Have you ever considered a career in Northwest Western Australia? Living and working in these regional communities offers a unique and affordable lifestyle where there’s no shortage of adventure and where your work makes a genuine difference. The Department of Communities plays a vital role in protecting and caring for children and young people in need, while supporting families and individuals who may be at risk or experiencing crisis.
Choose a setting that suits your lifestyle. In the East Kimberley, vast horizons, ancient ranges, and iconic waterways like Lake Argyle create a landscape unlike anywhere else, where community and country are deeply connected. Along the West Kimberley coast, dramatic red cliffs meet turquoise waters, and remote wilderness shapes a truly unique rhythm of life. Further south, the Pilbara offers its own rugged beauty, with sweeping plains, ancient gorges, and rich red earth that make every day feel both grounding and extraordinary.
Imagine finishing work and stepping straight into some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes. These are places where your downtime truly feels like a break, and your work connects you to something bigger.
Benefits of working in North-West WA
- Relaxed pace of life— less traffic, less stress, and more time to enjoy what matters
- Close-knit communities— where relationships matter and your work has real impact
- Unmatched natural beauty— waterfalls, gorges, coastlines, and outback landscapes at your doorstep
- Outdoor lifestyle— fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and exploring iconic locations like El Questro, Horizontal Falls, and Karijini National Park
- Year-round sunshineand unforgettable sunsets that make every day feel different
You may also be rewarded with the following benefits (subject to eligibility, and provided on a pro-rata basis) including:
- Government Regional Officer Housing
- Additional 3 Days Public Service Leave per annum
- Travel Concessions (Annual return flight to Perth for you and your dependants after 12 months service)
- District Allowance (up to $9,299 without dependants or $18,898 with dependants in addition to salary, depending on location)
- Cultural Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
- 5 weeks of annual leave
- Salary packaging of remote benefits
- 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service
- 18 weeks paid parental leave
- 10 days Disability Leave
- 5 days Reproductive Health Leave
- Working for a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program.
The Opportunity
As a Child Safety Practitioner you will work in the areas of child protection, children in care and family support. Your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- responding to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children in accordance with provisions of the Children and Community Service Act 2004;
- taking legal action to promote the safety and wellbeing of children where necessary,
- providing services to children placed in the care of the CEO;
- assisting identified families and their children with relevant Agencies and community resources to ensure appropriate supports are in place;
- engaging and working alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety to their members in ways that:
- 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 Claire Harrington, Team Leader Child Safety, on 0419 537 624.
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.
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.
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:
- A cover letter outlining which regional location you are interested in working in and why.
- A one [1] page written application addressing criteria 2,4 and 5 of the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
- A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
- A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
- An application form (for hard copy applications only).
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 Rosaria Terrana, A/HR Consultant, on 0403 697 266 or via email [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 Rosaria Terrana A/HR Consultant, on 0403 697 266 or via email [email protected]..
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.
Attachments:
- Application Form
- Child Protection Qualification Framework
- FAQ sheet section 51 measures to achieve equality
- JDF - Child Safety Practitioner - CSQ1
