Department of Education
Reference number 11139-43979796 Occupation General Manager Work type Contract / Temporary Location Sydney - Greater West Salary Information
Closing date 10 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Manager Child Wellbeing Unit (CWU) - Identified
At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.
* Temporary Full-Time until 30 June 2028
* Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
* Salary from $129,464 to $142,665 plus employer Superannuation contribution and annual leave loading
This position is targeted for recruitment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and is authorised by the Department’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan, in accordance with Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). In the event there are no suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants, all other applications will be considered. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to indicate their identity in their application and should be willing to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent either during the application process or prior to appointment, if successful. More information can be found in the policy library under Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.
About Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Services (CWMHS) Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Services (CWMHS) delivers targeted student support in areas such as child protection, disability, mental health, and complex needs. The service aims to better align and coordinate psychological and child protection services in schools, respond effectively to urgent local issues, and promote best practice in service delivery. About the role As Manager of the Child Wellbeing Unit (CWU), you will lead the Department’s operational and strategic practices in child protection within the education system, including oversight of culturally informed consultation and advice to support schools, communities and interagency partners.This includes:
* Supporting a highly skilled team of identified professionals who assess and respond to child protection concerns, including providing culturally informed advice and consultation. Collaboration with interagency (such as Schools, government agencies and the non-government sector) to ensure responses are in line with best practices, policies and legislations.
* Design and manage effective operation intake systems, staff rostering and work allocations.
* Undertake case reviews and quality assurance to evaluate student outcomes, improve practices and alignment to legislations and policies.
For further information please You will lead with respect for Aboriginal cultural authority, support high-quality decision-making, and create an environment where identified staff are supported, valued and able to do their work safely and effectively.You will be experienced in guiding professional judgement, mentoring staff, and balancing statutory responsibilities with culturally informed, community-centred approaches. Your ability to build trusted relationships with schools, Aboriginal communities and interagency partners will support improved outcomes for children and young people.
* Experience in risk assessment and providing clear, culturally informed advice in complex situations.
* Demonstrated experience in mentoring, supervising and supporting staff, including through culturally safe leadership and reflective practice.
* Proven ability to build and sustain strong partnerships across education, community and interagency settings.
* A relevant tertiary qualification in social sciences or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience.
* Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG,to ensure respect for Aboriginal cultural authority, self-determination and community-led decision-making.
Essential requirements of the role
* Hold a valid clearance to work with children (Working with Children Check) for paid employment.
* This position is designated for the employment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This initiative is authorised by the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan in accordance with Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must provide documentation upon appointment. More information can be found in the policy library under Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.
* Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* 35 hour working week
* Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
* Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
* Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth
Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and response: Describe your experience leading a team in a complex service environment. How have you supported workforce capability, cultural safety and high-quality, child-centred practice while ensuring alignment with legislation, policy and community expectations? (max 300 words)This role supports identified positions who work closely with Connected Communities schools and respond to consultation into a central service, including the provision of cultural advice and guidance. Describe how you have worked alongside Aboriginal staff or teams to support culturally informed consultations. How did you enable culturally safe decision-making and respectful partnerships with schools, communities or agencies, and what impact did this have on practice or outcomes for children and young people? (max 300 words)Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’.This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.Closing 10th March 2026 at 11:59pm.
For role enquiries please contact Krista Sanders at krista.sanders2@det.nsw.edu.au and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Julie Nguyen at julie.nguyen49@det.nsw.edu.au
We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team (youbelong@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.
A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.