Overview

Child Safety Practitioner or Child Safety Officer role with the Department of Communities WA. This vacancy is advertised for a period of four weeks, from 17 July 2026 to 17 August 2026 (closing time 4:00 pm AWST).

The Department brings together services in disability services, child protection and family support, community initiatives and regional services reform. The role involves working in child protection, children in care and family support, with responsibilities that may include engaging with families and the community to improve safety and wellbeing of children.

Responsibilities

- Respond to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children in accordance with the Children and Community Services Act 2004.
- Take legal action to promote the safety and wellbeing of children where necessary.
- Provide services to children placed in the care of the CEO.
- Assist identified families and their children with relevant agencies and community resources to ensure appropriate supports are in place.
- Engage and work alongside families to strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety to their members in sustainable ways, building resilience in children, families and the community and increasing social wellbeing.

Position details

The following position is available for immediate filling:

- – Child Safety Practitioner - Merredin – Permanent, full-time (Child Safety Qualified Stream Level 1, $94,000 - $116,000 pa pro rata + Super – CPCSA 2024)

The successful applicant(s) may receive further offers of contract employment with potential for extension, conversion to permanency, or offers of permanent employment in other Child Safety Practitioner, Child Safety Officer, or similar roles that arise in Merredin, Moora, Northam or Narrogin.

Advantages

- Access to Government Regional Officer (GROH) accommodation may be available
- Commuted Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)




- Additional 3 days Public Service Leave per annum
- 3 months long service leave for every seven years of consecutive service
- 18 weeks paid parental leave
- 10 days Disability Leave
- 5 days Reproductive Health Leave
- Discount on private health insurance
- Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
- Access to free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for you and your family
- 5 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees

Qualifications and experience

Which position applies: If you have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or a relevant human services area, apply for the Child Safety Practitioner (CSQ 1) position. See the JDF for qualification requirements and assessment criteria. If you do not hold an approved qualification, apply for the Child Safety Officer (CSU 2) position.

Skills and experience for the Child Safety Practitioner position include:

- Demonstrated knowledge of child protection and approaches to enhance child safety and wellbeing
- Knowledge of or experience in engagement, assessment and intervention with parents, children and families
- Demonstrated resilience and ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities
- Strong communication skills and demonstrated skills in analysis and intervention planning
- Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and culturally diverse people
- Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology or a relevant Human Service field





Skills and experience for the Child Safety Officer (CSU 2) position include:

- Demonstrated knowledge of child protection and approaches to enhance child safety and wellbeing
- Ability to engage, empower and build effective working relationships with a diverse range of clients, stakeholders, partners and colleagues
- Demonstrated resilience and ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities
- Demonstrated assessment and analytical skills, as well as strong communication skills (written, verbal and non-verbal)
- Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and culturally diverse people

How to apply

Join the Department of Communities by applying online. Provide the following documents in Word or PDF format:

- A current resume/CV
- A two- to three-page written application addressing all Essential Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF
- A copy of all qualifications as specified in your application or resume/CV
- An application form (hard copy applications only)
- If applying for the Child Safety Practitioner role: a copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable)

For technical difficulties applying online, or to request documents in an alternative format, contact Kate Cottingham, HR Advisor, by email or phone. National Relay Service numbers are available for accessibility.

Additional information

Equity and Diversity: Communities welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences; adjustments can be made to participate in the application and interview process. If you are Aboriginal and would like assistance with your application, please contact the dedicated line.

Please note: Lodgement is system-generated. Applications or late submissions after 4:00 pm may not be accepted.

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📌 Child Safety Practitioner: Protecting Kids & Families (Shire of Northam)
🏢 Department Of Communities Wa
📍 Shire of Northam