Leader, specialist risk (inner west council)

• Multiple ongoing / Full-Time positions
• Located at Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
• Salary ranges from $125,693 - $138,510 p.a. plus super & leave loading

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners - from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

Are you an experienced leader in case management with the ability to navigate sensitive and high‐risk situations? The Health, Safety and Staff Wellbeing Directorate is seeking a skilled and resilient leader to join our Specialist Risk Response Unit, playing a key role in ensuring safe learning and working environments across NSW schools.

As the Leader, Specialist Risk, you will lead a team of case management professionals responding to and managing complex and high‐risk matters. Your leadership will influence best practice approaches, support staff capability, and deliver outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of students, staff, and school communities.

As a Leader, Specialist Risk, you will lead a team of professional staff in managing complex and high‐risk incidents that impact the safety and wellbeing of staff, students, and school communities across NSW. The role is critical in ensuring effective case management practices, supporting safe learning environments, and strengthening departmental capability through collaboration, expert advice, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Leading and supervising a team of case management professionals, overseeing operational planning, coordination, and staff development to meet service delivery objectives.
• Providing case management for a portfolio of complex and high‐risk incidents, ensuring sensitive and effective handling of matters affecting schools and workplaces.
• Coaching and mentoring team members, identifying training needs and building capability to enhance performance and service quality.
• Analysing performance data, identifying emerging trends and issues, and using insights to improve case management and incident response practices.
• Preparing high‐quality reports, submissions, briefings, and correspondence to support business decisions and provide expert advice across the Department.
• Fostering collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including NSW Police, government agencies, and service providers, and representing the Department in interagency forums and working groups.
• Delivering accurate and timely operational advice to senior executives on complex, sensitive, or high‐risk incidents.

• Demonstrated experience managing sensitive, complex and high‐risk matters and is a confident leader, capable of coaching and building the capability of others.
• Outstanding interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, including with external partners such as NSW Police and other agencies.
• Strong ability to analyse case data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Thrives under pressure and maintains professionalism in challenging situations.

• Working with Children Check for paid employment or willingness to obtain one.
• Tertiary qualifications and/or experience in a related field.
• Current NSW Driver's licence (or equivalent) and willingness to drive and travel.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and ensuring quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 35 hour working week.
• Competitive salary, 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.

If you are interested in joining the team, we want to hear from you! Please attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

This is a child‐related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check.