Our flexible and rewarding working conditions

The Department of Communities (Disability Services) will help you build a rewarding and challenging career while maintaining a healthy work and life balance. We work hard to recruit, develop and retain a skilled and motivated workforce.

As one of our many valued employees you will enjoy the following benefits:

A competitive salary and salary packaging

At Disability Services, 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 that salary range and will be eligible for an annual increase until the top of the salary range is reached for that position.

The department also offers salary packaging for items such as superannuation contributions, motor vehicle leasing and notebook computers.

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 per cent and five per cent of your salary.

This is matched by the compulsory employer contribution of between 9 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 via their website www.qsuper.qld.gov.au

Flexible working hours

The hours of duty will vary depending on the type of occupation you are employed in. The department has flexible working arrangements including time off in lieu.

Flexible 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 remote regions, for example, in Far North Queensland recreation leave is 25 working days per year plus 14.5 per cent leave loading.

Sick leave

You will be eligible for 10 working days sick leave each year on full pay, which accumulates if not taken. This leave may be accessed for caring responsibilities for immediate family or household members.

Flexible leave options for family responsibilities

• Purchased leave

  Eligible employees can apply for an extra six weeks leave per year. It is technically a period of leave that would normally be without salary, however, through fortnightly deductions money is set aside to fund the extra leave.

• Paid maternity/adoption leave

  Eligible employees are entitled to 14 weeks paid maternity/adoption leave.

• Parental leave

  In addition to the paid maternity leave, employee may be granted up to two years 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.

Flexible 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 Disability Services, we think it is important to help our 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.

Criminal history checks

As an employee within Disability Services, you are required to disclose your criminal history (including convictions that are not recorded) or charges at the time of interview.

A criminal conviction or charge will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Criminal history checks will only be undertaken by the department on the preferred applicants.

A commitment to workplace health and safety

We provide a safe and healthy workplace not only for our staff and clients but also for people who may be affected by our workplace activity or service.

Employee Assistance Scheme

Staff have access to confidential free counselling to resolve problems that are affecting their work or personal life through an Employee Assistance Scheme.