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 04 September 2025, closing 4pm on the advertised closing date.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Child Safety Practitioner you’re responsible for:

• responding to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children and applying the provisions of the Children and Community Services Act 2004;
• taking legal action to promote the safety and wellbeing of children where necessary;
• undertaking case work activities of a complex nature;
• providing services to children placed in the care of the CEO;
• providing advice and expertise to District staff on the child safety and protection issues;
• 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;
• developing and maintaining a high degree of knowledge and skills in providing services and supports to families and communities to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children and other vulnerable members of the community;
• investigating serious concerns about the welfare and safety of children and taking action appropriate to the situation.

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.

Applicants should only apply if genuinely interested in working in Katanning.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Mel Curran District Director on 0432 835 994.

There is currently one (1) permanent full time position available for immediate filling as listed below:

• 006699 – Permanent – Full Time

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (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 ‘Apply now’ and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1.  A current resume/CV.
2. A two (2) page written application addressing all the Essential Work RelatedRequirements (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).

Benefits

Working in a Katanning, you may be eligible for a range of benefits. These might include:

• Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) assistance
• 1 additional week Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)
• 2 additional days travel leave Time off in Lieu (Commuted TOIL)
• Public Service Holidays – additional 3 days holiday per annum (to be used same year)
• Annual Leave – 4 weeks annual leave per 12 months worked
• Cultural Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – Up to 5 days per calendar year.
• On-the-job training
• Personal development courses
• Free annual influenza vaccinations
• Salary packaging

For a full list of benefits click here.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Yusri Rosley Human Resource Advisor, [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Child Safety Practitioner - Katanning 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 Yusri Rosley.  

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.