The Role

Child Protection Workers provide an invaluable service to Western Australian children, families and communities. Being a Child Protection Worker is life changing.

Working alongside families and other organisations, Child Protection Workers ensure Western Australia’s children are safe and protected from harm. The role is statutory which means it is responsible for responding to serious concerns about the welfare and safety of children and young people under the Children and Community Services Act 2004. Child Protection Workers review and make recommendations on the care and management of children.

In child protection work, the breadth of responsibilities is wide ranging and there is no such thing as a typical day. Daily tasks can include investigating and assessing a report of child abuse or neglect, instigating legal action and taking matters to court, writing a report about the ongoing development of a child in care, mapping a family tree or planning initiatives to promote the safety and wellbeing of children in the community.

Child Protection Workers work with children, young people and families who are vulnerable or in crisis. Building strong working relationships and working collaboratively with other agencies to provide services to meet these complex needs is another integral part of the role. This means working across a diversity of fields and settings, including: mental health; education; criminal justice; homelessness and housing; Aboriginal community services; domestic and family violence; refugee services and employment and training.

Child protection work is rewarding and fulfilling but it's not an easy job. Workers need to be confident, resilient, aware individuals, who are open to change, and who can work collaboratively with families and other professionals. The Department provides great support, career pathways, learning and development opportunities and competitive salary and benefits to our workforce.