Risk Officer
Job Summary
Employer: Government of Western Australia
Department of Communities
Location: Freemantle, WA
Division: Professional Standards, Regulation & Legal
Position No: Pool Ref COM29625
Salary: (Level 6) – $120,457 – $132,753 + super
Work Type: Fixed Term - Full Time, Fixed Term - Part Time, Permanent - Full Time, Permanent - Part Time
About Communities
The Department of Communities work alongside families and community sector partners to deliver services that keep children safe, respond to emergencies, support families and strengthen inclusion across disability, homelessness and community programs.
With over 100 offices statewide and thousands of staff, we are one of Western Australia’s largest and most complex agencies. Aligned to the Government’s priority of building safe and inclusive communities, the Risk team helps Communities build resilience and ensures essential services are delivered safely and sustainably.
The Opportunity
Each day, your work will help Communities manage uncertainty, uncover opportunity and deliver better outcomes for Western Australians.
You will play a central role in strengthening Communities’ approach to enterprise risk management and business continuity. Working within a diverse and high-impact service environment, you’ll provide insight and guidance that supports confident decision-making and helps Communities thrive through significant change and transformation.
The roles available include:
Risk Officer (Level 6) – $120,457 – $132,753 + super
Principal Risk and Business Continuity Officer (Level 7) – $139,860 – $149,485 + super
There are currently permanent and fixed term positions available for immediate filling.
Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies permanent that arise within the next 12 months across the Department of Communities.
What You’ll Do
While helping to embed contemporary risk and continuity frameworks across Communities’ operations you will work with stakeholders such as frontline managers to executive directors, to identify and assess risks, evaluate controls and enable informed, timely decisions.
This work blends practical problem-solving with strategic influence to strengthen governance, ensuring Communities can manage disruption as well as identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
What We’re Looking For
You will bring demonstrated knowledge of contemporary risk management and/or business continuity principles and methodologies, with proven application in large, complex organisations. Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to engage confidently at all levels.
For Principal Risk Officer roles, we are seeking demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to guide, influence and motivate others through change.
Relevant tertiary qualifications or professional certifications will be highly regarded.
Why Join Communities
Working across multiple portfolios from child protection to disability services to emergency response you will engage with diverse and complex risk challenges rarely found within a single organisation. Communities is modernising systems, strengthening governance and evolving how services are delivered. Your insights will help shape how a 6,000 person organisation transforms while maintaining essential services for Western Australians.
These roles offer challenging and purposeful work in an inclusive and supportive environment that values expertise, collaboration and integrity. Based in Perth, you’ll have opportunities to grow professionally while maintaining genuine work-life balance, supported by Communities Carers + Employers program. You’ll have access to training and development opportunities and the chance to build a long-term career making a tangible difference to the lives of all Western Australians.
How to Apply
Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below) and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:
A current resume/CV outlining your relevant experience.
A two (2) page cover letter addressing Work-Related Requirement 1 from the JDF. If you are applying for both the L6 Risk Officer and L7 Principal Risk and Business Continuity Officer, please address the Level 7 Principal Risk and Business Continuity Officer Criteria from the JDF.
A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
An application form (for hard copy applications only.)
Short-listed applicants will be assessed on all Work-Related Requirements during the selection process.
For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Alison Hodge, Chief Risk Officer, 0450 575 796.
For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant via HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0466 517 569.
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 677 767
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 embraces diversity and firmly believes that the best services come from a workplace, where varied viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged every day. We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce, where we encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and youth.
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 Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant by emailing HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or via 0466 517 569.
Applicants 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.