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.

The Opportunity

The Child Protection Worker and the Senior Child Protection Worker provide services to children placed in the care of the CEO and undertake case work activities of a complex nature. This includes assisting and planning with families to develop capacity to provide a safe environment for children, investigating serious concerns about the welfare and safety of children and taking appropriate action and intervention when required. 

Applicants will be considered for positions in Albany and Katanning only, please refer to the jobs notice board for positions in other Districts including state-wide pools.

Some great benefits include:

• Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) assistance
• 1 additional week Commuted Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)
• 2 additional days travel leave (Annual Leave Travel Days)
• 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.
• Eligibility to join the fitness passport program (access to 84 gyms across WA from $14.25 per week)
• On-the-job training
• Personal development courses
• Free annual influenza vaccinations
• Salary packaging

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Kirsty Steytler, Acting Assistant District Director, on (08) 6277 4100.

There are currently several permanent positions available for immediate filling in the locations of Albany and Katanning. 

The following permanent positions are available for immediate filling:

• 006699 - Katanning
• 003501 - Albany
• 004607 - Albany
• 006697 - Albany

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 Great Southern District.

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.

New graduates welcome! 

If you are a new graduate, we would love to hear from you and we encourage you to apply.
We are accepting applications from new graduates who have completed their degree and have an upcoming graduation date. In place of a degree certificate, please provide proof from your University of completion of your qualification and graduation date.

Join the Department of Communities

Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

Child Protection Worker

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A one (1) page written application addressing 1,4 and 5 Essential Work Related Requirements (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).

Senior Child Protection Worker

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A two (2) page written application addressing 1,3 and 4 Essential Work Related Requirements (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).

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 Emily Parker, HR Consultant on [email protected] using the subject line: Child Protection Workers / Senior Child Protection Workers - Albany / 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 [email protected] using the subject line: Child Protection Workers / Senior Child Protection Workers - Albany / Katanning enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

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 will not be accepted.