Senior Policy and Practice Officer

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

This position is based at our Walyalup (Fremantle) headquarters located within Walyalup Koort. It’s a great location close to the Fremantle Markets, various new cafes and eateries (click here to find out more), car parks and the Fremantle train station.

The role of the Practice team is to provide consistent and quality responses to family and domestic violence via implementation of the One Communities Family and Domestic Violence Practice Approach. This includes developing and implementing a single agency policy setting, service delivery model, workforce development strategy and approach to monitoring performance and evaluation.

The practice work within Communities is aligned to, and important for, a number of the agencies strategic priorities including the safety of women and children (Target 13 of Closing the Gap), reducing the number of Aboriginal children in out of home care (Target 12 of Closing the Gap), access to safe housing and stable tenancies, and promoting access and inclusion within WA communities.

The Senior Policy and Practice Officer is responsible for:

• contributing to the development and implementation of policies and Practices relating to family and domestic violence,
• maintaining an expert awareness of relevant issues and trends within the State, nationally and internationally,
• Project managing key reform initiatives,
• contributing to research, implementation and the evaluation of key strategies as well as Operational Policy and Planning frameworks,
• contributing to the planning and evaluation functions of the Directorate, and
• providing advice and support to the Manager and other senior staff on policy development and implementation issues.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Rachael Biffen, Manager Strategic Policy and Practice, on 0478 924 *** or email **************@communities.wa.gov.au

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

 Our 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 benefits including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Discount on private health insurance
• Additional 3 Days Public Service Leave per annum
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• A free confidential Employee Assistance Program, providing services to support your wellbeing

Further information is outlined on our Department of Communities benefits page on our website.

Join the Department of Communities

Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below) and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A [2] two page written application addressing all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF
3. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
4. 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 Roberta Quartey, HR Consultant, on 0432 836 *** or email *************@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 ***

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 is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position.  Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply

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.

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 Roberta Quartey via email *************@communities.wa.gov.au

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 will not be accepted.

Attachments:
- Application Form
- FAQ sheet section 51 measures to achieve equality
- FAQ sheet section 66R measures to achieve equality
- Information for Job Applicants

• JDF
• Senior Policy and Practice Officer
• 013829
• L6
• Feb 2024.docx

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