Make a meaningful difference as a Child Safety Officer in the Sunshine Coast & Central region. We're looking for passionate, resilient, and empathetic professionals who are committed to working with children and families, to keep them safe, and to help build the better futures they deserve. Opportunities are available across a diverse range of communities, from vibrant coastal and regional centres to rural and regional Queensland locations, offering rewarding work and opportunities for career growth.

Job details

Mandatory Requirements

PO3 Child Safety Officers must meet several requirements

• Applicants automatically meet qualification requirements with a bachelor degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioural Science, Human Services  or Master of Social Work.  Alternative bachelor degrees may qualify by demonstrating at least six relevant AQF Level 7 subjects plus either an additional relevant qualification or 12 months of full-time paid experience in a relevant role.  Further information can be obtained by contacting the Central Recruitment Team.
• A Queensland Blue Card, is a mandatory requirement to hold before applying for a Child Safety Officer Role - for interstate/international applicants please see the attached Blue Card Fact sheet
• Valid driver's license
• Legal right to work in Australia

Working in the Sunshine Coast and Central region

A career in the Sunshine Coast and Central Region offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while enjoying some of Queensland's most diverse communities and lifestyles. Across locations including the Sunshine Coast, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald and surrounding communities, Child Safety Officers work with children, young people and families from a range of backgrounds, gaining valuable experience across the child protection continuum. Whether you're drawn to coastal living, thriving regional centres or rural communities, you'll benefit from strong professional support, varied and rewarding work, and opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful difference. Location-specific benefits and incentives may be available in some areas.

Location Incentives

Gladstone

• $2,500 Annual Allowance
• $27.50 Fortnightly Allowance
• Relocation Support (negotiable at panel)

Rockhampton

• $2,500 Annual Allowance
• $26.60 Fortnightly Allowance
• Relocation Support (negotiable at panel)
 
Emerald

• $5,000 Annual Allowance
• $66.60 Fortnightly Allowance
• Relocation Support (negotiable at panel)
• Subsidised Accommodation

Maryborough

• $2,500 Annual Allowance
• Relocation Support (negotiable at panel)
 
Your resilience

Working in child safety involves attending high-risk calls and experiencing confronting situations. Resilience and a strong awareness of self, along with good self-care practices, are essential. You will work with diverse children and families facing many different challenges. The role often includes handling high-risk situations such as domestic and family violence, complex mental health issues, substance use, and suicide.

Your contribution

Child Safety Officers are responsible for delivering statutory child protection services including assessment, intervention, casework and case management in accordance with legislation and practice guidelines. Child Safety Officers work in teams (often multi-disciplinary) based in Child Safety Service Centres covering specific geographical areas in various locations throughout Queensland.

You work within the Framework for Practice (values, principles, practice tools, processes and core skills) providing a lens through which to view and guide professional practice within a multidisciplinary team environment. You have knowledge and understanding of and/or experience in assessment and casework intervention with individuals and families who have complex needs and you understand the theoretical perspectives that relate to child protection practice, including the impacts of historical and contemporary policy and practices upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Previous and Current Departmental Applicants

All previous and current departmental applicants are advised that they will be subject to internal disciplinary checks.

Clause 7. General provisions relating to suitability for employment

1) A chief executive can assess a person's suitability through a range of mechanisms, including but not limited to:
2)
- criminal history (for relevant duties and prescribed duties (which includes child-related duties)
- child-related duties
- serious disciplinary action.
3) The directive relating to recruitment and selection provides that applicants for public sector roles must be informed of any suitability assessments that may be required to determine the person's suitability for employment as a public sector employee.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Multiple positions available. Permanent and Fixed Term Temporary positions available.

Continuous Applicant Pool closing Thursday, 24th June 2027

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Candidate Information Package (Word, 235KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FACT SHEET - Blue Card Applications for Interstate Applicants (Word, 334KB)
  Blue Card Check
  
  693242CAP 26 - PO3 CSO Role Profile (Word, 229KB)