The Department of Communities (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.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, then read on.

About the Division

Strategy, Regulation and Legal work to support and safeguard individuals, children, families and communities by strengthening community safety and inclusion. We do this by shaping strategy and policy, regulating human services, delivering client-focused legal services and partnering with stakeholders across government, community sector, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, private industry and community leaders.

Five directorates focus on safety and inclusion, they are the Office of Homelessness; Office for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Strategy; Inclusion and the Executive Services Team. Together they aim to deliver better social, economic and cultural outcomes. We do this by:

• Leading Government reform priorities including election commitments;
• Developing and implementing high level, long term strategies across multiple portfolios in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to guide service delivery and investment decisions;
• Stewarding service delivery systems including through strategic commissioning and service design;
• Supporting front line services through workforce development, operational policy and support for sector coordination;
• Supporting legislative change through targeted policy development.

Regulation and Quality (R&Q) exists to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards. Protecting interests and people within the areas of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services, Regulation and Quality works to assess applications, encourage, monitor, and investigate compliance and build capability through community engagement.

Legal and Business Services (LBS) works to provide high quality, timely, and client-focused services including legal, screening and claims services, legislative and legal advice to the Department to assist it to deliver on its legal and portfolio responsibilities.

The Role

The Director Inclusion works collaboratively with high level counterparts in Communities, respective Ministerial offices and State Government agencies to deliver the government’s policy priorities of the day, whilst identifying long-term challenges and opportunities, and delivering contemporary policy, strategy, and legislation.

This includes representing the Department of Communities and State Government on senior officer working groups, Closing the Gap Policy Partnership Groups, as well as working with other States and Territories to respond and participate in National Strategies with the aim of delivering better outcomes for vulnerable citizens.

The Director Inclusion is accountable for stewarding the development and implementation of Ministerial priorities as well as whole-of-government (Commonwealth and State) high-level, long-term human service policy, grants policy, pilot programs and public education programs in relation to the following portfolios: womens’ interests, seniors and ageing, youth, LGBTQIA+, volunteering and carers.

The Director Inclusion is also responsible for coordinating the following Ministerial Advisory Councils:

• Ministerial Youth Advisory Council
• Carers Advisory Council (WA)
• Volunteering Community Reference Group

The position also represents the Department on the following committees:

• Stronger Together Implementation Group
• Youth Action Plan Working Group
• Seniors Strategy Working Group
• Multicultural Plan Working Group

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Nicole Leggett, Assistant Director General Strategy, Regulation and Legal, on 0435 049 808.

You will need to embody our iCREATE Values and have genuine commitment to high levels of integrity, accountability, effective governance and transparency.

This full time, Senior Executive Service position offers a fixed-term appointment of up to five (5) years and is based in Fremantle.  Walyalup Koort is a great location close to the Fremantle Markets, various new cafes and eateries and a car park, as well as walking distance to the Fremantle train station and Bathers Beach.

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

Attractive Benefits

In return for your skills, passion, and commitment we will offer you a challenging job, a safe and healthy working environment, and a range of Attractive Benefits (subject to eligibility) including:

• Flexible working arrangements (including flexible working hours, 9-day fortnight consideration, and work from work options)
• Access to motor vehicle benefits
• Additional 3 Days Public Service Leave per annum
• Eligibility to join the Fitness Passport program
• 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
• Discount on private health insurance
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations
• Access to free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for you and your family
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• Working for a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program.

Leadership Context

At Communities, everyone is a leader, and we aim to build the impact of our leadership in our important work for the sector and community. As such, Communities has adopted the Public Sector Commission’s Building Leadership Impact initiative, and we expect all our people to adopt the expected behaviours and associated mindsets outlined in this initiative. For more information visit the WA Public Sector Commission website and search Building Leadership Impact.

The leadership context of this position is Multiple Area Leader and there are opportunities for professional development and growth.

Join the Department of Communities:

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A Three [3] page summary outlining the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in the context of the job description and Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria).
3. A copy of all qualifications regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV.
4. An application form (for hard copy applicants 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 the SES Employment Team at [email protected] using the subject line: Director Inclusion enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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 the team via email [email protected] using the subject line: Director Inclusion enquiry via EthicalJobs or Luke Daly, HR Consultant or by phone on 0422 104 044.

We recognise that people with disability bring valuable talent, experience and insight to the workplace.  People with disability are an integral part of our diverse and inclusive team. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 66R of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. We encourage people with disability to apply.

Communities welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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 (AWST) will not be accepted.