Description

This recruitment pool will run for a period of twelve (12) months and may be used to fill ongoing fixed term contracts and permanent opportunities.

Currently, there are two positions available, one at L2SC and one at L3SC.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the Western Australian justice system?

We want to hear from you.

About Justice

When you join the Department of Justice, you become part of a people-focused organisation, working hard to make our community a fairer and safer place to live. We offer many different employment opportunities in locations around Western Australia. You will have a chance to make a real difference to your local communities and to the lives of those you work with.

About the role

The Communication Partner Program is looking to grow our team with dedicated and compassionate speech pathologists, social workers, psychologists or occupational therapists looking to make a meaningful impact in the criminal justice setting.

The Communication Partner Program is a ground-breaking initiative in Western Australia specializing in supporting vulnerable persons throughout the court process.

As a Communication Partner you will be an independent and impartial communication specialist who is trained, accredited and will be responsible for assessing the communication needs of mentally impaired accused or supervised persons who come before the court and Mental Impairment Review Tribunal.

Becoming a Communication Partner is an exciting opportunity to be part of one of the most substantial changes to the way mental illness and mental impairment is dealt with in the Western Australian criminal justice system, under the new provisions of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment Act) 2023.

Similar roles and programs, often referred to as intermediaries or witness intermediaries, currently exist with great success in other jurisdictions around Australia, and the world.

The Communication Partner Program is based in the Court Counselling and Support Services team within the Department of Justice. As part of our team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable persons receive fair and equitable treatment within the WA criminal justice system.

The Communication Partner Level 2SC, is responsible for providing advice to the courts and the Tribunal relating to communication with an accused or supervised person.

The Senior Communication Partner Level 3SC, is responsible for providing advice to the courts and the Tribunal relating to communication with an accused or supervised person. The position also mentors the development of other Communication Partners and contributes to the education and training of various stakeholders on best practices for supporting individuals with communication challenges in legal contexts.

Eligibility

Permanent Positions - To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia.

WWC Positions - In accordance with the National Child Safety Principles, people who work directly with children and young people, you must have a current Working with Children Check or be able to successfully apply for one to be eligible for appointment to this position.

Special Conditions - Possession of a current WA Motor Vehicle Driver’s Licence.

Qualifications – Successful Applicants must have an accredited tertiary qualification in one or more of the following areas:

Accredited qualification in Psychology and eligibility for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA);

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work and eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers or the
• Society of Professional Social Workers;
• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Therapy and eligibility for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia;
• Tertiary qualification in Speech Pathology and full membership of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA);
• Or another relevant field.

Benefits and opportunities

• Flexible working arrangements
• Career pathway opportunities
• Learning and development opportunity programs
• Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness centre discounts available for employees and their families

For further information and application details: 

https://search.jobs.wa.gov.au/page.php?pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=389920

Closing date: 3rd October 2025