Senior Practice Development 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 Role The Statewide Referral and Response Service (SRRS) is based in the Perth CBD and is the first point of contact for the community and key stakeholders. It receives and assesses Statewide Child Protection Referrals and also provides an after hours response to all child protection matters across the State.  SRRS consists of:

• Central Intake Team (CIT)
• Crisis Care Unit (CCU)
• Mandatory Reporting
• Family Domestic Violence Helpline
• Initial Inquiry Team
• Interstate Liasion
• Child Protection Leads (CPL)

SRRS manage a high volume of calls and referrals and as such have created a robust induction package to ensure staff receive adequate training and support when they join the Service. Ongoing training is delivered by our Senior Practice Development Officers and staff attendance at these internal training sessions is encouraged. 

The Opportunity As a Senior Practice Development Officer, you will be responsible for:

• providing advice, consultation and assistance to District Directors, Directors, Unit Managers, Team Leaders and other Field staff within the district on operational policy and practice matters and complex casework practice issues,
• promoting quality practice and continuous improvement in the delivery of services,
• contributing to the development of monitoring and reviewing frameworks and supports their operation,
• monitoring, reporting and making recommendations on the standard of Departmental practice,
• contributing to professional development and Practice Development by engagement in a range of learning strategies including mentoring and coaching.

This position is rewarding and fulfilling, but not easy. You’ll need to be a dynamic and proactive leader who is able to demonstrate empathy, confidence and resilience in changing circumstances. You will build respectful and collaborative relationships that foster successful delivery of support and services to meet the complex needs of families and children.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Caroline Pryce, Assistant District Director on 0499 839 ***.

There is currently one (1) permanent position available for immediate filling.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (or permanent), that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities. 

Location and Benefits

The new Boorloo campus is located on Stirling Street; close to public transport and parking options. It has a modern fit out, end of trip facilities, purpose built lunch area and a large terrace with built in BBQ facilities. The work area provides access to shared, inclusive spaces and a range of collaborative, focus and active work zones.

The Department offers great benefits including:

• Access to flexible working arrangements, such as alternative work locations or home-based work, subject to business needs
• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service

• Eligibility to join the Fitness Passport program (access to 84 gyms across WA from $13.95 per week)

• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Cultural Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Employees
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
• 3 days additional public sector holidays

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 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 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).

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 Paul Bussell, HR Advisor, on 0432 840 *** 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 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 Paul Bussell. 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
- Information for Job Applicants

• JDF
• Senior Practice Development Officer (Community Services)
• Generic
• SCL3
• June 2023.docx

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