Senior Child Protection Worker / Senior Field Worker – Kimberley Joint Response

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 Kimberley Joint Response Team

Joint Response is part of a State Government funded plan to combat child abuse, in particular child sexual abuse, and protect some of the State’s most vulnerable children. This initiative is a partnership between our Department and WA Police. This relationship enables a sustained and localised approach to addressing the issues of child abuse and the under-reporting of child abuse in the Kimberley. Individuals will strengthen and hone their skills in undertaking assessments and interventions to support and ensure the safety of individuals and families in this context, including developing proactive strategies to enhance broader community safety. You will have the opportunity to travel across the Kimberley to provide a service in the many remote Aboriginal communities serviced by the district. The team works in strong partnership with communities, individuals, families and stakeholders.

The Opportunity

The Senior Child Protection Worker Kimberley Joint Response Team and Senior Field Worker Kimberley Joint Response Team will work in the areas of Child Protection and children in care.

Some of your responsibilities are:

• In line with the operations of the Kimberley Joint Response Team, providing a service in conjunction with WA Police (WAPOL) to families, individuals and communities impacted by, or at risk of sexual abuse.
• Providing advice to District staff on child safety and sexual abuse issues.
• Engaging and working alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety for their children in the context of sexual abuse and other abuse types.
• Engaging with and assisting identified families and individuals in obtaining support and services to deal with sexual abuse.
• Engaging with community groups and other agencies in promoting relevant support and coordination for clients experiencing sexual abuse.
• Developing and providing community education and information that promotes child safety within family and community settings.
• Contributing to the planning, training and activities of the Team consistent with Divisional direction and organisational and customer priorities of the Kimberley Joint Response Team in partnership with WA Police (WAPOL),and.
• Applying the provisions of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 to ensure the safety and protection of children and other relevant legislation.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Laura Hassett, Team Leader – Kimberley Joint Response on 0499 144 487.

There is currently one (1) permanent full-time position available for immediate filling in Broome

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.

Which Position Do I Apply For?

Under our Child Protection Workforce Model, priority will be given to qualified applicants in the first instance to maintain a qualified workforce. Should a qualified applicant not be identified then this selection process will be used to fill the vacancy.

If you have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant human services area, please apply for the Senior Child Protection Worker Kimberley Joint Response Team position. Refer to our website for information about the qualification requirements.

If you do not hold an approved qualification, please apply for the Senior Field Worker Kimberley Joint Response Team position.

The Kimberley Region

Located in the far north of Western Australia, the stunning region boasts a relaxed atmosphere with many lifestyle and recreational activities available. Staff in the Kimberley maintain a real sense of community and positive relationships with the children and families they work with. A large percentage of the region’s population is Aboriginal, so working here offers a unique opportunity to work within these communities, which have strong ties to culture, ceremony and the arts.

To find out more about living and working in the Kimberley Region, click here.

Benefits of Working With Us

Working in the Kimberley Region attracts great benefits (subject to eligibility) including:

• Generous Personal Leave Entitlements (15 Days per annum)
• Additional 3 Days Public Service Leave per annum
• Travel Concessions
• District Allowance
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
• 14 Weeks Maternity/Other Parent Leave
• Salary Packaging Remote Benefits
• Cultural Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Employees
• Air-conditioning subsidies for properties with refrigerated air-conditioning
• An additional week of annual leave if you are based above 26th Parallel South
• Subsidised housing may be available
• Removal and relocation assistance

Join the Department of Communities

Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below on Jobs WA) 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 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).

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 HRrecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au

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 Emily Parker.

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.