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.

About Communities The work we do at Communities is meaningful and rewarding.  We bring together vital services that support children, young people, families, and communities to grow and ultimately thrive.

Working with the Communities can be both personally and professionally rewarding whether you are working in a front-line role or a corporate role.  All our staff contribute to achieving our common goals, which make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in our communities.

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.

Join us and work in a role where you can make a real difference to the lives of children, families, individuals, and communities throughout Western Australia.

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. This advice will be on operational policy, 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.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Sally Kirk, District Director, on 0417 915 *** or **********@communities.wa.gov.au during business hours.

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

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

Living and working in the Pilbara Living and Working in the Pilbara is from the Ocean to the Desert. The Pilbara offers the perfect opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Pilbara cities and towns are family friendly communities which offer an array of services and activities for the whole family, or individuals to enjoy and participate in. You, your family and friends might spend the morning four-wheel driving through the beautiful outback, before setting up camp and enjoying some fishing. Or you could enjoy fine food and visiting local cafes and restaurants. Whatever your perfect weekend is, when you move to the Pilbara, you’ll find all of this, plus much more, all in your backyard. 

This position is based in Hedland which is on Karriyarra Country.  You will be supporting workers in Hedland, Newman (Nyiyaparli Country), Tom Price (East Garuma Country) and Jigalong (Martu country).  Culture is strong, the elders generous in sharing their expertise in caring for children and working with the Department.  You will have a wonderful opportunity to expand your knowledge and share your skills with a relatively inexperienced workforce and share the load with the SPDO based in Karratha.

If you enjoy venturing through amazing untouched scenery and have passion for learning more about traditional Aboriginal culture, this could be the job for you!

Benefits of Working With UsCommunities offers you career progression, variety, access to comprehensive learning and development, and great employment conditions. Some of these benefits may include:

• 4 weeks annual leave,
• 3 days additional public sector holidays,
• 15 days personal leave per annum,
• 11% superannuation, full employer contribution,
• Discount on private health insurance,
• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service,
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services,
• Study assistance,
• 14 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months continuous service,
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations and,
• 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.

Qualification RequirementsYou 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 1,2,3, 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.

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.

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 Jamsie Ong, HR Advisor, *************@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.