Community Safety Officer

The Community Safety Officer is an entry-level, supported employment position established through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program. The position provides an opportunity for local community members to gain practical workplace experience, develop new skills and contribute positively to the Carnarvon community. The Officer will work alongside experienced Shire employees to support community safety, community education and positive relationships between the Shire and local residents. The role focuses on education, engagement, observation, reporting and community support rather than enforcement.

Key role outcomes:

• Demonstrate successful leadership through the application of the Shire's core values by promoting a work culture of sustainability, quality improvement, efficiency, and excellent customer service that corresponds to our Code of Conduct and Customer Service Charter.
• Ensure compliance with the Local Government Act (WA) 1995 and any relevant legislation.
• A commitment to a safe work environment and WHS legislation, policy and processes.

Under the direction and supervision of experienced Shire staff:

• Be a friendly and approachable Shire presence within the community.
• Assist Community Safety and other Shire officers during community patrols and activities.
• Observe and report community safety concerns to the appropriate Shire officer.
• Assist with activities that encourage safe and respectful use of public spaces.
• Help identify areas where community members may benefit from additional information or education.
• Assist Shire staff at community events and public activities.
• Support community safety initiatives developed by the Shire.
• Encourage community members to report concerns through the appropriate Shire channels.
• Refer difficult, unsafe or potentially confrontational situations to an experienced Shire officer or supervisor.
• Assist with community education activities relating to matters such as: littering and illegal dumping; community cleanliness; responsible animal ownership; community safety; environmental care.
• Talk with community members in a friendly, respectful and culturally appropriate way.
• Help explain Shire services, programs and community expectations in clear and simple language.
• Assist with distributing educational material and information to residents.
• Where appropriate, use local knowledge and community connections to help the Shire communicate effectively with different parts of the community.
• Report information accurately to the supervisor or relevant Shire employee.
• Assist with completing basic forms, checklists or electronic records.
• Immediately report serious safety concerns or incidents to the supervisor.

Work, Health & Safety Responsibilities:

• To take reasonable care for their own safety and health and to avoid harming the safety and health of other people through any act or omission at Shire workplaces.
• Proactively comply with all Shire WHS Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines, Practice, duties and other relevant conditions.
• As well as with the WA WHS Act 2020, WHS (General) Regulations 2022, all other relevant Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards.
• As far as reasonably possible comply with instructions given by their employer or an authorised person in the interests of safety and health and in accordance with the WHS Act.
• Must report to their manager, supervisor, WHS Representative, PC&S and/or other relevant contact person work related injuries, near misses and any hazards at the workplace that they cannot correct themselves.
• Must use, store and maintain personal protective equipment as properly instructed, and not damage or misuse any equipment or facilities provided in the interests of safety and health.
• Participate in and where possible provide leadership for a continuous improvement culture of safety where best practice initiatives are entrenched in daily business activities.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Highly developed ability to uphold a values-based approach in the workplace.
• Ability to talk respectfully with community members and coworkers.
• A genuine interest in making Carnarvon a safer, cleaner and more positive place to live.
• Willingness to participate in training, learn new skills and accept guidance from supervisors.
• Willingness to attend work as agreed and let a supervisor know when there is a problem.
• Ability to treat people from different backgrounds, ages and circumstances fairly and respectfully.
• Willingness to follow workplace health and safety instructions and ask for assistance when unsure.
• Knowledge of the traditional owners in the Shire of Carnarvon region.
• Connections within the local community.
• Basic computer or smartphone skills.
• Ability to communicate with different community groups.
• Local cultural knowledge.

Licences, Registration, Memberships or Qualifications required of the role:

• Current Western Australia Driver's License.

Pre-employment screening required for this role:

• National Police Clearance - Less than 6 months old.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening.
• Alcohol and Other Drug screening.

It is not the intention of the position description to limit the scope or accountabilities of the position but to highlight the most important aspects of the position. The aspects mentioned above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role.