Assistant Director, Placements

Details: We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director, Placements to lead a high-performing team that enables safe, suitable, and sustainable placement options for children and young people who are unable to remain in their family homes.

Reporting to the Director, Placements, you will provide leadership across placement coordination and out of home care (OOHC) services, ensuring children and young people receive the right care, support and services at the right time. You will work closely with Child and Youth Protection Services practitioners, OOHC providers, government agencies and community partners to support a continuum of care that meets statutory obligations and promotes the best interests of children and young people.

In this role, you will maintain and strengthen partnerships across the OOHC sector, provide expert advice to senior leaders and decision-making panels, and oversee the development of quality placements that are culturally safe, inclusive and responsive to individual needs. You will lead planning and coordination for children and young people with high and complex needs, including collaboration with NDIS and other service providers, while ensuring appropriate documentation and supports are in place prior to placement.

You will also oversee risk assessment and mitigation processes, facilitate collaborative problem-solving across stakeholders, and support regular reviews that promote stability and long-term care outcomes. A strong understanding of the Children and Young People Act 2008, the Our Booris Our Way recommendations, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principles will be highly regarded.

Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) is an inclusive employer where all people are respected and valued for their contribution. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, People with Disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, mature age workers and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Welfare, Social Science or a related discipline, are desirable but not essential.
• At least three years practice experience working with children, young people and their carers or families is essential.
• Prior to commencement, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police Check
• This position requires a Working with Vulnerable People Check. Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to - Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra
• Driver’s license Class C is essential.
• As the successful candidate will work with, or is likely to work, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and young people, cultural awareness, the capacity to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable for this position.

Note: This is a temporary position available immediately for six months with the possibility of extension (not exceeding 12 months) and/or permanency.

A merit pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

How to Apply: For further information, please visit www.jobs.act.gov.au