Job Description
Chief Legal Officer
Division: Strategy, Regulation and Legal
Position No: 021369
Salary: Specified Calling Level 8, $225,004 pa + Super - PSCSAA 2024
Work Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Perth
Closing Date: 2026-05-01 4:00 PM (YYYY-MM-DD)
The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, community initiatives and regional services reform
Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program. The program defines best practice standards by creating a carer friendly workplace, enabling staff to balance work and care, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.
The Opportunity
As a Chief Legal Officer at the Department of Communities you will be at the forefront of shaping impactful policies and leading legal excellence.
As Communities brings together vital services and functions that enable individual, family and community wellbeing our values are shaped by integrity, courage, respect, empathy, accountability, trust, and empowerment. At the Department of Communities people come to work every day to make a positive difference to the lives of Western Australians, which is something you could contribute to in the Chief Legal Officer role.
Your expertise will be instrumental in guiding high-profile legal and policy decisions, ensuring the Department’s actions are legally sound. Your leadership will extend to mentoring and supporting legal staff while fostering a high-performance culture that excels at providing continuous professional growth.
More specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to;
Ensuring that the Department’s legal and business services support the Department’s functions.
Overseeing the Department’s litigation practice, in particular child protection applications in the Children’s Court, and also briefs to counsel in various proceedings before courts and the State Administrative Tribunal.
Directing consultation, research, analysis and review of legislation, points of law and legal policy in relation to State, Commonwealth and other jurisdictions’ legislation.
Representing the Department, the Deputy Director General and Director General at a senior level on intrastate and interstate committees and other forums as required.
Managing in-house training and development programs for operational staff in the use and application of Legal instruments used in the Department.
Overseeing Departmental screening and assessment functions, including criminal record checks and departmental client and child Protection checks.
This is a position requiring extensive experience in the management and provision of legal and legislative services across a broad range of acts and areas of law.
To succeed in the position you must have a demonstrated and comprehensive knowledge of legal services, managing financial and physical resources and high level analytical and communication skills.
Qualification Requirements
A Bachelor of Laws Degree or approved equivalent and eligibility for admission to practice Law in Western Australia, and extensive post admission Legal experience is an essential work-related requirement for this role.
Benefits
Working at the Department of Communities we offer a safe and healthy working environment, a range of benefits, including attractive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and learning and development opportunities in exchange for your skills, passion and commitment. To view the range of benefits that may be available click here.
Interested in learning more?
The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Tara Gupta, Chief Legal Officer, on 0419XXXXXX or via email on [email protected]
There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.
The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of permanent employment in this or similar roles.
Join the Department of Communities
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.
A two to three [2-3] page summary outlining the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in the context of the job description and Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria).
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).
Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.
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 email on [email protected] or 0466XXXXXX during business hours only.
We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers:
TTY/voice calls - 133 677
Speak & Listen - 1300XXXXXX
SMS relay - 0423XXXXXX
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
Communities welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant via email on [email protected] or 0466XXXXXX during business hours only.
If you are an Aboriginal person 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.
Attachments:
Application Form
Information for Applicants
Division: Strategy, Regulation and Legal
Position No: 021369
Salary: Specified Calling Level 8, $225,004 pa + Super - PSCSAA 2024
Work Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Perth
Closing Date: 2026-05-01 4:00 PM (YYYY-MM-DD)
The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, community initiatives and regional services reform
Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program. The program defines best practice standards by creating a carer friendly workplace, enabling staff to balance work and care, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.
The Opportunity
As a Chief Legal Officer at the Department of Communities you will be at the forefront of shaping impactful policies and leading legal excellence.
As Communities brings together vital services and functions that enable individual, family and community wellbeing our values are shaped by integrity, courage, respect, empathy, accountability, trust, and empowerment. At the Department of Communities people come to work every day to make a positive difference to the lives of Western Australians, which is something you could contribute to in the Chief Legal Officer role.
Your expertise will be instrumental in guiding high-profile legal and policy decisions, ensuring the Department’s actions are legally sound. Your leadership will extend to mentoring and supporting legal staff while fostering a high-performance culture that excels at providing continuous professional growth.
More specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to;
Ensuring that the Department’s legal and business services support the Department’s functions.
Overseeing the Department’s litigation practice, in particular child protection applications in the Children’s Court, and also briefs to counsel in various proceedings before courts and the State Administrative Tribunal.
Directing consultation, research, analysis and review of legislation, points of law and legal policy in relation to State, Commonwealth and other jurisdictions’ legislation.
Representing the Department, the Deputy Director General and Director General at a senior level on intrastate and interstate committees and other forums as required.
Managing in-house training and development programs for operational staff in the use and application of Legal instruments used in the Department.
Overseeing Departmental screening and assessment functions, including criminal record checks and departmental client and child Protection checks.
This is a position requiring extensive experience in the management and provision of legal and legislative services across a broad range of acts and areas of law.
To succeed in the position you must have a demonstrated and comprehensive knowledge of legal services, managing financial and physical resources and high level analytical and communication skills.
Qualification Requirements
A Bachelor of Laws Degree or approved equivalent and eligibility for admission to practice Law in Western Australia, and extensive post admission Legal experience is an essential work-related requirement for this role.
Benefits
Working at the Department of Communities we offer a safe and healthy working environment, a range of benefits, including attractive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and learning and development opportunities in exchange for your skills, passion and commitment. To view the range of benefits that may be available click here.
Interested in learning more?
The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Tara Gupta, Chief Legal Officer, on 0419XXXXXX or via email on [email protected]
There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.
The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of permanent employment in this or similar roles.
Join the Department of Communities
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.
A two to three [2-3] page summary outlining the key responsibilities and achievements you have had during your career in the context of the job description and Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria).
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).
Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.
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 email on [email protected] or 0466XXXXXX during business hours only.
We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers:
TTY/voice calls - 133 677
Speak & Listen - 1300XXXXXX
SMS relay - 0423XXXXXX
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
Communities welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Courtnie Hayes, A/HR Consultant via email on [email protected] or 0466XXXXXX during business hours only.
If you are an Aboriginal person 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.
Attachments:
Application Form
Information for Applicants
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Chief Legal Officer position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Perth offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
