Assistant Director/Associate Director

Please note, as of 21 August 2026, this advertisement has been extended.

More Than Just a Job!

At Communities we play a vital role in supporting and strengthening communities across Western Australia. We provide services and work with our partners to keep children safe, provide vital community services, including in emergencies, address homelessness, prevent family and domestic violence and provide stewardship for the disability sector. Our work also includes regulating early childhood education and care and leading initiatives across women’s interests, youth, seniors and ageing, carers, and volunteering.

Why Work With Us?

• We offer some of the most competitive public sector wages in Australia.
• We are a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program.
• Flexible work options – flexi leave, banked leave and public service holidays.
• More for your future – 12 per cent employer super contributions.
• Smart salary packaging – novated leases & work laptops.

Read more about the benefits of working with us.

Your Role. Your Impact.

Step into the world of Therapeutic Residential Care where your work is more than just a job.

Responsibilities of the Assistant Director/Associate Director include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that high quality therapeutic care is provided to the young people in Therapeutic Residential Care houses.
• Working with other Assistant/Associate Directors to develop and contribute to operational frameworks, programs and policies for young people in Therapeutic Residential Care that ensures the best interests of the young people are at the heart of all decisions.
• Providing a high level of operational advice and oversight that identifies risks and the strategies to address them.
• Assisting the Leadership Team to deliver strategic outcomes for Therapeutic Care.
• Building and maintaining relationships with non-government agencies to produce improved outcomes for the young people.
• Keeping up to date with and providing advice on any relevant national and international trends and issues that may impact the directorate.

Some of the available positions are responsible for Therapeutic Residential Care houses in regional Western Australia, and there is flexibility to work from our Metropolitan office (Midland) or to work from another regional office. Regular travel to the Therapeutic Residential Care houses that you oversee is required as part of this role to adequately support each house.

Visit Careers at Communities – our roles for more information.

We believe all our people are leaders, regardless of their role. Our Leadership Expectations, outlined in Building Leadership Impact, describe the behaviours and mindsets we value. The leadership context for this position is Leading Leaders.

If you’d like to know more about the team or the role, connect with Penny Wakefield, State Director Therapeutic Care on 0400 452 ***.

For more details, please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Opportunities Available

• Current Vacancies: Two (2) full-time permanent positions available.
• Upcoming roles: Applicants will be considered for this vacancy and may also be considered for similar roles at the same level and location arising from this recruitment process.

Applicants will be considered for vacancies in the location of the advertised role/location preferences specified in their application

Which Position Do I Apply For?

Under our Child Protection Workforce Model, priority will be given to qualified applicants to maintain a qualified workforce. If no qualified applicant is found, we will then consider non‑qualified applicants.

If you have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology or relevant human services area, apply for the Assistant Director position.

If you do not hold an approved qualification, apply for the Associate Director position.

How to Apply – It’s Easy

Select “Apply for Job” and upload the following documents (Word or PDF only):

1. Your current resume/CV.
2. A short written statement up to two pages addressing all the 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).

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 Emily Parker

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Integrity and Honesty

In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. To read more, click here.  

Need Assistance?

If you would like to discuss:

• adjustments,
• alternative formats,
• recruitment enquiries or,
• technical issues

Contact: Emily Parker, A/HR Hub Coordinator on 0478 853 *** or *************@communities.wa.gov.au

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers

National Relay Service:

TTY/Voice: 133 677

Speak & Listen: 1300 555 ***

SMS Relay: 0423 677 ***

Privacy Notice

Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act). By submitting your application, you acknowledge the collection of your personal information. For further details on how your information is handled, please view our Privacy Policy.

Please note: This recruitment process may be closed or withdrawn at any stage. Applicants will be notified if this occurs.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.