Child Protection Area Operations Manager

Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Area Operations Manager is responsible for operational management across the local area including financial, budget, HR and performance management of staff, high profile case reviews and completion of ministerial briefings.

The position leads practice to develop plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people and to promote the achievement of case plan objectives within specified timeframes.

Qualifications

• Working with Children Check required.
• Understanding Aboriginal culture and related policy requirements in child protection practice.

Responsibilities

• Operational management across local area including financial, budget, HR and staff performance management, high profile case reviews and ministerial briefings.
• Lead practice to develop plans ensuring safety, stability and development of children and young people and achievement of case plan objectives within timeframes.
• Establish and maintain relationships with government, industry and community to deliver outcomes and targets.
• Represent the department at industry forums, inter-agency committees and government bodies to implement policy and initiatives.
• Demonstrate expert people and resource management to ensure delivery of a quality child protection program.
• Supervise other Child Protection roles in the local area and coordinate travel as required.

Job description

Child Protection Area Operations Manager

Department of Families, Fairness & Housing VIC – Melbourne VIC

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a
safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+
equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are
disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across
metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be
worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse
backgrounds and abilities.

If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large
print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed
on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and
Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

THE ROLE

The Area Operations Manager is responsible for operational management across the local area including financial, budget, HR and performance management of staff, high profile case reviews and completion of ministerial briefings. The position leads practice to develop plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people and to promote the achievement of case plan objectives within specified timeframes.

In this role you will ensure that program targets, performance objectives and statutory responsibilities are met and establish, manage and maintain relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including with government, industry, and community to deliver on outcomes and targets. You will represent the department at industry forums and inter-agency committees, taskforces and government and non-government bodies to build and maintain partnerships and implement departmental policy and initiatives for the area.

You will demonstrate expert skills in managing people and resources, including senior staff, ensuring that the area is delivering on and meeting its statutory responsibilities, including the provision of a quality child protection program.

The position will work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders and directly supervises other Child Protection roles in the local area.

The transportation of children is a requirement of this role, as such a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel, including in country regions is essential. There may be the requirement to work overnight and, travel in evenings and early mornings. On occasions, additional hours may be required to ensure the wellbeing of children.

You will possess an understanding of Aboriginal culture and demonstrate an understanding of the legislative, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities, including the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and the programs and initiatives that support its implementation in child protection practice.

This role requires a Working with Children Check.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

Risk assessment and analysis: proactively identifies and analyses patterns associated with risk assessment and competently and autonomously exercises delegations

Critical inquiry: sees emerging issues and takes proactive steps to manage potential implications. Displays broad thinking, drawing on research and literature to support evidence informed practice.

Standardised reporting: has recognised expertise in utilising information for the purpose of providing and interpreting standardised reports.

Reflective Practice: promotes practice quality and consistency through practical solutions to time-management issues and prioritising reflective practice for practitioners

Practice In duction Program (PIP)

All new Child Protection practitioners are required to complete mandatory, full-time five-week Practice Induction Program (PIP). This training is designed to provide new employees with the necessary practice of knowledge and skills relating to the role. This is delivered online and in person with attendance in Melbourne required for some week blocks. Regional employees will be supported with travel and accommodation arrangements.

For more information on what this means, and all other requirements, please see the Position Description.