Why work for us
"It's great working for a department that supports my career as well as my family commitments." Kelli, Graphic Designer Our flexible working conditions
Make the community your career
The Department of Communities offers an array of careers paths and the opportunity to use your training and experience in roles where you will make a positive difference to the lives of many Queenslanders.
The Department of Communities will help you build a challenging and rewarding career while maintaining a healthy work and life balance.
Employees will enjoy:
A competitive salary and salary packaging
At the Department of Communities you are appointed to a particular level depending on your qualifications and experience. In most cases, a new employee will commence at the first level of the advertised position's salary range, and will be eligible for an annual increase until the top of the salary range is reached for that position. More information about salaries is available on the department's website.
The department also offers salary packaging for items such as superannuation contributions, motor vehicle leasing and electricity.
Working hours
Your hours of duty will vary depending on your occupation and type of employment you are in. Some staff are employed on a roster or part time, others may have variable hours and sometimes staff might have to work outside core business hours. If you do work outside of these business hours, the department has flexible working arrangements including time off in lieu.
Recreation leave
You will normally receive 20 working days per year for recreation leave plus 17.5 per cent leave loading. This can vary in certain regions, for example, in northern Queensland you will receive recreation leave of 25 working days per year plus 14 per cent leave loading.
Shift workers receive 25 working days per year plus 27.5 per cent leave loading.
Recreation leave may also be taken at half pay.Sick leave
You will be eligible for 10 working days sick leave each year on full pay that accumulates if not taken. This leave may be accessed for caring responsibilities of immediate family or household members.
Long service leave
You accumulate long service leave at the rate of 1.3 weeks per year of service. Normally, you will be eligible for long service leave after 10 years. You may be permitted to take long service leave for a pro-rata period after seven years continuous service. Long service leave may be taken on half pay.
Support for work and life balance
At the Department of Communities, we think it is important to help employees balance their work and life responsibilities. We do this through supportive work policies and flexible work options, including part-time work, job sharing and a range of leave options.
Leave options for work and life balance include:
Purchased leave
Eligible employees may apply to access an extra six weeks leave over a year. While this is technically without salary, fortnightly deductions set aside money to fund this extra leave.
Parental leave
Eligible employees will be entitled to 14 weeks paid maternity/adoption leave.
In addition to paid maternity leave, an employee may be granted up to two years unpaid parental leave (inclusive of the 14 weeks paid leave) to be their child’s primary carer. Our employees may also apply to work part-time until their children start school.
Special Emergent leave
An employee may be granted up to 3 days leave in any 12 month period that is reasonably required for an emergency situation or on compassionate grounds.
Equal employment opportunities
The Department of Communities is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Professional development
The Department of Communities offers learning and professional development opportunities throughout your career. Our learning and development program allows staff to keep their skills up-to-date so they can provide the best support possible to people in need.
The Department's Learning and Organisational Development Strategy 2006-2011 provides a commitment to improving our staff's capabilities, attracting new staff and delivering better outcomes for our clients.
Mentoring and supervision opportunities are also available.
Study and research assistance
We value your decision to undertake study or research to further develop your skills. If you are studying, or plan to study, you may be entitled to receive leave assistance and/or an education allowance.
The Study and Research Assistance Scheme supports employees who undertake further education, provided that the area of study or research is relevant to the services we provide and is linked to our strategic outcomes.
Career opportunities
Through achievement planning and review processes, we support our staff to access opportunities for professional development. Staff may enhance their development through relieving in other positions.
Workplace health and safety
The department is committed to ensuring systems are in place that provide for a safe and healthy working environment for staff, clients and individuals. The department recognises the importance of preventing work-related injury and illness. Staff and management are required to work together to achieve a safe and healthy workplace.
Competitive superannuation
QSuper is the superannuation scheme provided by the Queensland Government for its employees. It is a co-contributory scheme and you can contribute between two and five per cent of your salary. This is matched by the compulsory employer contribution of between nine per cent and 12.75 per cent. You can also make voluntary contributions, choose to salary sacrifice, transfer money from other funds or make and receive spousal contributions.
As a member of this fund, insurance for income protection and total and permanent disability is automatically provided. Further information can be obtained by calling QSuper on 1300 360 750 or www.qsuper.qld.gov.au
Criminal history checks
Criminal history checks are mandatory and will be undertaken by the department on the preferred applicant(s) being considered for appointment.
You are required to disclose criminal history (including convictions, which are not recorded) and/or charges prior to your engagement with the department. A criminal conviction or charge will not automatically exclude you from being considered for employment.