Operations Lead

• 12-month parental leave cover - Full time opportunity to lead a dynamic and enthusiastic team of practitioners
• SCHADS Level % Super + $15,900 Salary Packaging to increase your take home pay
• Hybrid working flexibility and optional monthly RDO to manage your work life balance
• Based at Thomastown (Wurundjeri Country)

About Us

With a proud history and a progressive mindset, Kids First is a leading provider of educational, family and support services for children and families in Melbourne. We are at the forefront of responding to community needs and strengthening families so that children can thrive. Our programs are evidence-based and built on more than 120 years of service.

About the Role/Opportunity

This position will lead the infant and family services programs, providing effective, efficient, and professional operational management. While leading, supporting and supervising the Infant and Family Services Team Leaders.

The Operations Lead role will have a strong focus on the implementation and evaluation of evidenced based practice methods, as well as important role in fostering solid, beneficial working relationships with partners, to ensure best outcomes for the Child and Family Services clients. This position will also maintain strong relationships with the NEMA Orange Door and broader NEMA Child and Family Services Alliance.

In addition to the above, the Operations Lead will also be required to undertake leadership tasks, projects, and portfolio areas. Along with supporting integrated practice and integration of services across streams.

To be successful in this role you will need:

• Highly developed management skills to ensure employees are supported, developed, and engaged to provide optimum practice and service delivery.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, child and family social welfare or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in motivating and supporting employees in a change and reform environment
• High level risk assessment skills for family violence, child and family functioning and mental health.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of continuous improvement and professional development activities.
• Ensure that child safety practices are embedded into all programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Skills and experience in providing leadership, support, and supervision to staff.

As a member of the Kids First team, you will:

• Be part of a collaborative and outcomes focused culture of an independent, not-for-profit organisation that has a legacy of more than 125 years community service.
• Take home an attractive salary with the option to salary package to increase take home pay.
• Accrue leave faster when you register with our Rostered Day Off or Purchased Leave arrangements.
• We know how important it is to spend time with family which is why you get 3 additional leave days at Christmas.
• Be nurtured in your career, including professional development in specialist evidence-based models, such as Promoting First Relationships (PFR).
• Have access to our staff wellbeing program - including $100 to spend on your wellbeing (paid for by us) and an additional day off per year during Mental Health Month

Apply Now

To download the PD, and to apply for this job go to: & enter ref code:

Please include a:

• Cover letter outlining the position title and addressing the selection criteria.
• Copy of your Curriculum Vitae which must list two professional referees.

For inquiries about the position connect with Zoe Martin, Child, Youth and Family Services Manager via email

Applications close 22 September 2025

Kids First is an Equal Opportunity employer that respects and values diversity and inclusion. Kids First welcomes everyone to apply, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and physical ability.

Kids First is a Child Safe Organisation, employment is conditional on satisfactory referee checks, a current Working with Children Check, National Criminal History check, proof of the right to work in Australia and a pre-employment medical (if applicable).