Head of Children's Services

The Infants' Home Child and Family Services is an integrated child and family hub, providing high-quality early childhood education and care, allied health and early intervention services for children and families. For over 150 years the key focus of our work has been supporting families and children experiencing hardship or vulnerabilities to make a more positive future.

The Head of Children's Services is a leadership position overseeing The Infants' Home's Early Childhood Education and Care Services - long day care centres and a family day care scheme. Our children's services help children, families, and our community to thrive.

• Supervising operations to ensure services adhere to Child Safe protocols, comply with the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards, and meet all regulatory requirements.
• Leading efforts to increase enrolments, thereby optimising placements and developing robust waitlists for service sustainability.
• Providing guidance on practice and pedagogy to uphold exemplary standards of family-centred, trauma-responsive service delivery in alignment with established learning frameworks, our Practice Guide and the Response to Intervention model.
• Coaching and mentoring Nominated Supervisors, Responsible Persons, staff and educators.
• Building a culture of performance in line with organisational values.
• Supporting the efficient opening of new centres and facilitating smooth operational transitions.
• Reporting on the impact and excellence of our Children's Services.

Additionally, the Head of Children's Services serves as a member of The Infants' Home Leadership Team, working collaboratively to further the organisation's strategic objectives and contribute to decision-making in the best interests of the organisation.

• You are an experienced area manager or operations manager with a deep knowledge of children's services.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience in multi-site leadership within early childhood education or children's services.
• In-depth understanding of the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards, and Reportable Conduct obligations.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and experience in family and community engagement, including play-based and family support settings.
• Proven track record in quality and compliance oversight, including safeguarding and child protection leadership.
• Business acumen with demonstrated success in financial management, including budgets, forecasting, P&L accountability, occupancy growth, debt control, and workforce planning.
• Strong leadership and coaching ability, with experience providing oversight and guidance to managers on recruitment, induction, staff development, and retention.
• High level communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with capacity to use data and metrics to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to values-driven leadership, fostering a culture of respect, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Completion of an approved child protection training course or unit (CHCPRT001 or CHCPRT025).
• Current Australian Driver's Licence and ability to use own insured vehicle.
• Current Working With Children Check.
• Current NDIS Worker Clearance.
• Recent national police check (within past six months).
• Hold valid working rights in Australia.

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 (with Novated Leasing as an additional option)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Ongoing career development and mentorship
• Dynamic, supportive team environment
• Access to learning and professional development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements

Please send your resume and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to careers@theinfantshome.org.au.

A position description is available on our website. If you have any questions about the role, please call Simon Zhu, People and Culture team, on (02) 9799 4844.