Child Protection Worker

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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.

To find out what this rewarding role entails and the benefits and working for Communities, watch the child protection worker careers forum:

Key Benefits

  • Qualifications

    As Specified Callings employees, Child Protection Workers must have a relevant tertiary qualification to be appointed.

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  • Salary and Conditions

    Working as a Child Protection Worker attracts a competitive salary, with annual increases as you progress through increments; as well as generous allowances in some roles.

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  • Career Pathways

    With offices throughout the state, and opportunities to progress into higher level positions, working as a Child Protection Worker can be the next great step in your career.

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  • Learning and Development

    Child Protection Workers have access to ongoing, contemporary training in Signs of Safety and complementary areas. Our Learning and Development Centre provides expert, in house training.

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  • I’ve made a connection with a lot of kids in care… You really get to walk alongside them on that journey here.

    Daniel Child Protection Worker Geraldton
    Learn about working in Geraldton

  • Sometimes you take a few steps forward and then a few steps back, but you just keep on moving forward and never give up.

    Tomas Child Protection Worker Kununurra
    Learn about working in Kununurra

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