About WACOSS

The Western Australian Council of Social Service is the peak body of community service organisations and individuals in Western Australia. WACOSS stands for an inclusive, just and equitable society. As a peak body for the Western Australian community service sector, we believe that communities flourish where people are given the opportunity to contribute and create. We are committed to advocating, enabling and leading change that supports healthy, active and inclusive communities.

To create equitable and empowered communities WACOSS works with its members to advocate with and on behalf of those who are the furthest from levers of power and influence, to amplify their concerns and seek justice, to create a society that genuinely works for the benefit of all.

WACOSS is a small but dynamic organisation whose impact and output far exceeds its size. We are proud to have over 260 members, both organisations and individuals.

WACOSS is part of a national network consisting of ACOSS and the State and Territory Councils of Social Service, who assist people on low incomes and experiencing disadvantage Australia wide.

About the role

Working with the Executive and Social Policy Team, the Social Policy and Project Officer will undertake a variety of policy, project and advocacy work that promotes the wellbeing of all Western Australians, particularly people and communities who live with disadvantage and vulnerability. This position will largely focus on health and gender equity. This is a fixed term contract till end of December 2023 with a possible extension. 

WACOSS is working with the Department of Health to help foster community lead approaches to engagement with vulnerable people and communities. WACOSS is funded to support implementation of the Sustainable Health Review (SHR) Final Report Recommendations, this work is lead by the Senior Policy and Project Officer and is a key part of the role.

WACOSS is committed to gender equity with Women’s economic security and wellbeing a strategic focus for 2023, as part of the WACOSS policy team the successful applicant will play a key role in implementing our strategy.

We are seeking a full time Senior Policy and Project Officer, 38 hours’ per week with flexible working options. We need a strong, dynamic, collaborative person for this important role.

The key responsibilities of the role are SHR project implementation, such as fulfilling the project contractual obligations, delivery of outcomes and reporting; contributing to social policy development and supporting community development and partnerships.

The successful applicant will be expected to work with project partners, key stakeholders, government agencies, and experts to deliver outcomes.

The right person will have demonstrated policy, research and analytical skills ideally with an understanding of the current context in gender equity and social determinants of health; knowledge of current government and non-government social policies; highly developed communication skills; experience working with stakeholders and in partnerships and have relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disabilities, people from diverse and culturally linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with lived experience of disadvantage, women, young and mature age workers, the LGBTQIA+ community.

For any enquiries about this role please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy and Project Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.