Make a Difference and Create Opportunities

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead transformational change in an organisation that is helping to shape local communities contact Community First Step (CFS).

With a history that spans over 50 years, our purpose is empowering the people of Southwest Sydney to overcome disadvantage and barriers to personal, social and economic growth by delivering inclusive and innovative services and supporting capacity building. CFS services include community development, case work, psychosocial and educational programs, disability services and children's services.

We are currently seeking a motivated and experienced Head of Children’s Services (HChS).

About this opportunity

Reporting to the COO, the HChS will play a crucial role in delivering high quality childhood programs and services at a number of Children’s Services centres in the Fairfield LGA. The incumbent will provide line management, supervision, leadership and support to staff; develop and manage key stakeholder relationships and maintain a culture where risk is genuinely considered and effectively managed at all levels of CFS’ Children’s Services.

About you

You will bring the following attributes and skills to this role:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Social Work, or a related field.
• Sound knowledge of statutory regulations for Children’s Services industry and the ACECQA framework in which children’s services are delivered.
• 3-5 years’ experience in managing early childhood programs and providing leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary team.
• A current Working with Children Check
• A current NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Demonstrated financial management skills for budgeting and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated track record in partnering and collaborating with organisations and stakeholders to share and leverage resources and/or develop new community opportunities.
• A high level of communication skills with the capacity to work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• The ability to work autonomously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of child development, early learning frameworks, and relevant legislation.
• Current understanding of research and developments within the early childhood sector.
• Understanding of service delivery for children with specific needs and/or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
• Strong knowledge of and a commitment to Work Health and Safety practices.
• Able to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits available at CFS include:

• Generous salary packaging of up to $18.5K per annum
• 17.5% Leave Loading
• Two paid Gifted Days annually (pro rata)
• Employee Assistance Program (counselling and mental health support)
• Career development opportunities
• Hybrid work
• Discounted childcare

Applicants should include a cover letter addressing the attributes and skills listed above with a current resume. Please note that we review applications regularly so don’t hesitate to apply. However, we only contact applicants selected for interviews.

Our workforce is as diverse as the communities we serve, and we encourage First Nations people as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, of any faith or gender identity to apply.

All Community First Step positions are subject to a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and a National Disability Insurance Scheme Worker Screening Check (NDISWC).

A position description is attached.